I attempted to institute a ‘no-shame’ rule in my work, and it was a lot harder than I expected

A writer says she can practice self-compassion in many areas of her life. So why is it such a struggle professionally?

When I’m having an unproductive day, I hear the most annoying and unhelpful voices rattling around in my head. It’s usually a variation of taunts about how I should have gotten up earlier or shortened my morning routine. Then it turns into how I better be “on it” for the rest of the day, and tonight I must get an early night’s sleep, because I’m way behind and the only way to get everything done is to be diligent about sticking to my calendar at all costs.