Pot Fillers VS Pot Drillers (Spring Clean Your Mind, Part 2)

A Mental Reset

As spring quickly approaches, the familiar urge for a thorough spring cleaning often follows. It’s a time to tidy up, refresh, and clear out the clutter in our homes. But what if we could also apply this concept of spring cleaning to our minds? Imagine clearing away the mental clutter, letting go of the negative patterns and influences that drain our energy, and replacing them with habits, people, and practices that nurture our self-esteem and mental well-being. One way we can give our mental spaces the spring cleaning it deserves is by clearing out the things that drain our self-esteem and replacing them with what builds us up.

“Pot Fillers” and “Pot Drillers”

Our self-esteem can be compared to a pot that can either be filled or drilled into, impacting how we feel about ourselves. “Pot fillers” are the people, activities, or habits that positively contribute to our self-esteem, uplifting and supporting us in ways that foster growth and confidence. These might include practices like positive affirmations, healthy relationships, engaging in self-care, or accomplishing small, manageable goals.

On the flip side, “pot drillers” are those things or individuals that drain our self-esteem, leaving us feeling depleted, discouraged, and less confident. They poke holes in our sense of self and often take more than they give. Examples of pot drillers include toxic relationships, negative self-talk, unhealthy comparisons, burnout-inducing commitments, and habits that don’t serve us. Recognizing and differentiating between pot fillers and pot drillers is key to cultivating a balanced and healthy sense of self.  

Know Your Fillers and Drillers

The first step in fixing up our self-esteem pots is to take inventory of what fills and drains your unique pot. Start by reflecting on your current self-esteem levels. One way to do this is by drawing your pot and reflecting on how full it feels right now.  Draw a line or color in your pot to note how full it feels at the moment. Once you've done this, take some time to write down the pot fillers and drillers in your life. For pot fillers, ask yourself: What people or activities leave me feeling energized, supported, and valued? What are the things I do to nourish and value myself? For pot drillers, reflect on: What people or situations leave me feeling drained, criticized, or inadequate? What are the ways I interact with myself that make me feel less than? Write down what you come up with on your pot drawing. By getting clear on these, you can start making intentional shifts toward prioritizing what fills your pot and minimizing what drains it.  

Cultivating More “Pot Fillers”

To intentionally add more pot fillers to your life, start by practicing self-compassion and positive self-talk. Be kind to yourself and recognize the importance of nurturing your mental and emotional well-being. Setting boundaries is another key pot filler. Boundaries protect you from draining people or situations by learning to say no when necessary and prioritizing your peace. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you, whether they are friends, family, or mentors who genuinely support your growth. Make time for activities that foster joy, growth, and fulfillment, like hobbies, exercise, or creative pursuits. To integrate more pot fillers into your daily life, consider scheduling regular self-care practices, such as taking a walk, enjoying a relaxing bath, or engaging in a mindfulness practice. Seek out supportive friendships and mentors who encourage your development, and take time each day to practice gratitude, acknowledging the positive aspects of your life. Setting achievable goals that gradually build your confidence will also fill your pot. By making these conscious choices, you’ll create a life that nurtures and supports your self-esteem and overall well-being.  

How to Manage or Remove Pot Drillers

Recognizing and managing pot drillers in your life is essential for maintaining a healthy sense of self-esteem. Common pot drillers are activities, commitments, or people that don’t align with your well-being. Work to identify them and establish better boundaries. By setting firm boundaries with those who drain your energy, you protect your emotional reserves and allow room for positive influences. Reevaluate any commitments where you may be overextending yourself, leading to burnout. Sometimes it’s necessary to step back from certain obligations to avoid emotional depletion. If you identify someone in your life who is unintentionally draining your self-esteem, having an honest conversation can help. Approach the topic with kindness and vulnerability, explaining how certain behaviors or interactions affect your energy and self-worth, and discuss ways to create a more balanced dynamic. If negative self-talk is a pot driller for you, challenge those critical thoughts by replacing them with affirmations of your worth, such as “I am capable,” or “I am deserving of respect.” By implementing these strategies, you can minimize the impact of pot drillers and protect your mental health. If you find yourself struggling to address pot drillers on your own, reaching out to a therapist can offer you the tools and support you need.  

Maintaining a Balanced Self-Esteem Pot

Maintaining a balanced self-esteem pot requires recognizing that both pot fillers and pot drillers will always be present in life. The key is not to eliminate all the drainers but to find balance by actively filling your pot with positive influences while managing the drainers. Ongoing self-awareness and self-reflection are essential to this process, as they help you stay attuned to the people, habits, and thoughts that affect your self-esteem. Just as spring cleaning isn’t a one-time task, maintaining your mental and emotional health is an ongoing practice that requires regular attention. Frequently reassessing your boundaries, relationships, and self-talk allows you to adapt and ensure that your self-esteem pot stays as full as possible, even when life throws inevitable challenges your way.  

Sustaining A Healthy Mindset

In conclusion, maintaining a healthy self-esteem requires recognizing the impact of both pot fillers and pot drillers in our lives. By intentionally nurturing the things that fill our pot and minimizing the things that drain us, we can create a more balanced and resilient sense of self. Spring cleaning for your mind isn’t a one-time event but an ongoing process of nurturing your mental health, setting boundaries, and practicing self-compassion. Take time today to reflect on what fills or drains your self-esteem and begin taking small, intentional steps to cultivate a more positive, supportive mental and emotional environment. Just as we give our homes a fresh start in spring, we have the power to refresh our minds and nurture our long-term well-being by prioritizing the things that lift us up and protect us from what holds us down.

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