We so often fail to live up to our own aspirations and standards. We can berate ourselves, feel useless and guilty.

The Buddha said that this condition of falling short of goodness was an extremely meaningful part of the human condition [Pema Chodron, on True Happiness]. When we examine our own short comings, we develop compassion and empathy for others who also fail to achieve their ideals. If we are perfect all the time, then how can we understand the struggles other people go through?

We already feel bad for not being who we want to be. Why add further layers of guilt, self-denigration to our negative feelings?