Hey there. Empathy is one of the most important things I’ve developed, and the truth is, it hasn’t always come naturally. For a long time, I was so wrapped up in my own struggles, my own self doubt, and my own goals that I didn’t stop to really consider what others were going through. But I’ve learned that empathy isn’t just something you either have or you don’t. It’s a skill, and like any skill, you can practice and strengthen it.
The first step for me was learning to listen without planning my response. Too often, I would hear someone talking and already be thinking about what I was going to say back. When I slowed down and just listened, I realized how much I had been missing. Sometimes people don’t need advice. They just need to know someone hears them.
Another part of developing empathy has been putting myself in someone else’s shoes, even when I haven’t lived their exact experience. I don’t have to know exactly what they’ve gone through to recognize their feelings. I can take a step back and ask myself, how would I want to be treated if I was in their position. That shift alone has helped me connect with others in a way that feels genuine.
The inside/out approach reminds me that empathy also starts with how I treat myself. When I show compassion toward my own setbacks, I’m better equipped to show compassion to others. If I can forgive myself for not being perfect, I can extend that same grace to someone else. Empathy grows from the way we handle our own inner dialogue.
On a weight loss or fitness journey, empathy becomes even more important. We all know what it feels like to be judged, compared, or misunderstood. By practicing empathy, we not only support ourselves better, but we also create space for others to feel safe and understood. That kind of support changes everything.
Developing empathy takes practice. It means listening, putting aside judgment, and showing compassion first to yourself and then to others. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.
If you’re ready to start building empathy alongside sustainable habits, I’d love to help you. Join one of The YLF Experience coaching options and let’s grow together.