How Not to Fool Ourselves

There’s a saying: “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.”

Have you ever thought “Don’t make a fool of yourself!” before doing or saying something? You’re not alone. Many of us worry about looking foolish—saying the wrong thing, making a mistake, or misjudging a situation. These moments can dent our self-esteem, lower our confidence, and make us question our self-worth.

We might even pass up exciting opportunities out of fear of looking incompetent. Or perhaps we misunderstood someone’s words or actions and now feel embarrassed. These feelings can be overwhelming, isolating, and deeply uncomfortable.

But here’s the truth: we’re our own harshest critics. That voice in your head telling you you’ve made a fool of yourself? It’s often wrong. Still, navigating this emotion can be tough—which is why we’re here. Let’s explore what it really means to feel foolish, how it affects your mental wellbeing, and how to cope with it in healthy, compassionate ways.

Understanding the Feeling of Foolishness

Dictionary.com defines “foolish” as: “resulting from or showing a lack of sense; ill-considered; unwise; lacking forethought or caution.” Harsh, right?

Feeling foolish is often tied to embarrassment or shame. Imagine preparing thoroughly for a presentation, only to freeze mid-sentence and forget everything. You panic, blush, and think, “I must look so unprepared.” But while you may feel foolish, that doesn’t make you one.

This emotion stems from how we perceive ourselves and how we think others perceive us. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s also completely human.

How It Affects Your Mental Health

The emotional weight of feeling foolish can show up in various ways:

• Self-doubt

• Low self-esteem

• Negative self-talk

• Social anxiety

• Avoiding social situations

• Feelings of worthlessness

These are signs that shouldn’t be ignored. If they persist, it may be helpful to reach out to a mental health professional for guidance and support.

Physical Symptoms to Look Out For

Feeling foolish doesn’t just affect your mind—it affects your body too. You might experience:

• Increased heart rate

• Headaches

• Upset stomach

• Digestive issues

These are common symptoms of anxiety and stress, and they can be managed with mindful coping strategies.

5 Ways to Cope with Feeling Foolish

Here are five simple strategies to help you work through these feelings and rebuild confidence:

1. Journal It Out

Writing your thoughts helps you understand and reframe them. Journaling provides emotional clarity and helps you challenge that inner critic.

2. Reach Out for Support

Don’t suffer in silence. Speaking to a trusted friend or loved one can provide comfort and perspective. You’ll often find that others relate more than you think.

3. Be Your Own Friend

If no one is around to comfort you, try speaking to yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a close friend. Remind yourself of your strengths and achievements.

4. Give Yourself a Pep Talk

Encourage yourself with phrases like:

“I feel foolish right now, but this will pass.”

“Everyone makes mistakes—it’s part of being human.”

5. Practise Compassionate Self-Talk

Replace harsh words with affirmations:

• “I am intelligent and capable.”

• “I handled that the best I could in the moment.”

• “I am proud of how far I’ve come.”

You deserve to feel confident, supported, and valued. Remember, making mistakes doesn’t make you foolish—it makes you human. We’re not fooling around when we say you’re doing better than you think, and we believe in you.

About Wise Psychic Counselling

Wise Psychic Counselling offers compassionate and insightful guidance to support your mental and emotional well-being. Our experienced team combines psychological expertise with intuitive wisdom to provide tailored counselling that helps you navigate life’s challenges, enhance personal growth, and find inner peace. Whether you’re seeking clarity, support, or a deeper understanding of yourself, we’re here to help you achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.

Ready to take the next step in your mental well-being journey? Book a session with our expert counsellors today for personalised support and guidance.