autocritica

Autocrítica, also written autocritica, is the process of examining and evaluating one’s own beliefs, actions, and performance with the aim of improvement. The term combines auto- (self) and crítica (criticism or evaluative judgment). In Spanish and Portuguese, autocrítica is commonly used to describe constructive self-evaluation within personal development, education, sports, and professional contexts.

Contexts and usage

Autocrítica is often encouraged in educational settings, workplaces, and teams to promote learning from mistakes and to foster accountability. It appears in post-project reviews, after-action reports, and retrospectives where individuals assess what went well, what did not, and what should change. In everyday life, autocritica denotes a reflective habit that helps people align actions with stated goals and values. The term is sometimes contrasted with external criticism, emphasizing internal assessment rather than outward blame.

In psychology and philosophy

In psychology, self-criticism refers to an aspect of cognitive style involving harsh self-evaluation, which can motivate improvement but also relate to negative mental health outcomes such as rumination or depression when excessive. Philosophically, autocritica is linked to practices of self-examination and ethical reflection, urging individuals to question motives and consistency.

Practice and cautions

Effective autocritica balances honesty with fairness, focusing on specific behaviors rather than global judgments. It often involves seeking evidence, setting concrete goals, and, when appropriate, soliciting constructive feedback from others. Excessive or punitive self-criticism can be counterproductive, so combining autocritica with self-compassion and a growth-oriented mindset is recommended.