Healing in Progress #5 — Becoming Softer with Yourself
Lucas Tan is having a difficult day. Ever since becoming the CEO of Tan Holdings , he has tried to control everything — his company, his image, even his relationship with Serena Tan , his fiancée. But one small mistake shatters his sense of control. “I can’t even control myself.” That moment forces him to face a painful truth: he has been harsher toward himself than anyone else ever could be. If you’ve ever pushed yourself to exhaustion, chased perfection, or felt like you were never enough, Lucas’s journey may feel familiar. This is a story about self-compassion, emotional healing, and learning to soften without losing strength. Why We Learn to Be Hard on Ourselves Many people believe self-criticism drives success. Lucas is no exception. Believing self-criticism leads to improvement Lucas grew up thinking pressure equals progress. The harsher he is on himself, the more successful he believes he will become. Fear that kindness equals weakness At work, Lucas often rais...