You’ve probably heard the saying “you’re your own worst critic.” Well, it turns out that this phrase is actually based on scientific research. A study published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science found that people who rate themselves harshly are actually more likely to achieve their goals.

The study’s authors explain that “self-criticism is associated with higher levels of motivation because it activates the desire to prove oneself worthy.” In other words, when you’re hard on yourself, it actually makes you more likely to succeed.

So, if you’ve been beating yourself up for not being where you want to be in life, take heart. It turns out that self-criticism can be a good thing. Here are four more reasons why you should never give up on working on yourself.

You’re never too old to improve

One of the best things about working on yourself is that you can do it at any age. Whether you’re 20 or 60, there’s always room for improvement. Maybe you want to learn a new skill or finally quit smoking. No matter what it is, it’s never too late to make a change.

Change is good for you

Even if you’re happy with your life, it’s still important to work on yourself. Why? Because change is good for you. It keeps you from getting complacent and can even help you prevent boredom.

You’ll be a better role model

If you have kids, you know that they’re always watching you. So, if you want them to be good people, you need to set a good example. One of the best ways to do this is by working on yourself. When they see you making an effort to improve, they’ll be more likely to do the same.

It’s good for your mental health

Working on yourself can also have a positive impact on your mental health. Making an effort to improve your life can help reduce stress and anxiety. It can also boost your self-esteem and confidence.

So, if you’ve been thinking about making a change, don’t wait. Start working on yourself today.