Most of the time, when we’re being too hard on ourselves, we do it because we’re driven by a desire to excel and do everything right, all the time. This entails a lot of self-criticism, and that persecutory inner voice that constantly tells us how we could’ve done things better is a hallmark of perfectionism. The thing is, research shows that perfectionists are at a higher risk of several illnesses, both physical and mental. By cultivating self-compassion, you can free yourself from the debilitating grip of perfectionism and live a fuller, healthier life. Here’s how to develop a sense of self-compassion.