Realizations about exhortations

Several years ago, I often played racquetball with a fellow who would attack himself.

When this fellow would make a bad shot, he’d yell something like “Nate, you idiot!” or “You’re stupid!” He’d dive for shots and run into the walls and work up a powerful fever all while criticizing his misplays.

He was a good racquetball player, and he was a smart and talented person. As far as what was obvious to me, he had plenty to like about himself, but he had this voice inside that needed to berate himself when he failed to do well. He’d never vocalize compliments to himself — it was only criticism. It...