Meet Your Inner Critic: 13 Archetypes Holding You Back and How to Overcome Them

As we explore the voices of our inner critics, we encounter patterns that reflect universal experiences and emotions. These patterns, known as archetypes, are powerful symbols that offer insights into the human psyche. By identifying the archetypes that resonate with us, we can gain deeper insights into our strengths, struggles, and the stories that hold us back.

The idea of archetypes was first explored by psychologist Carl Jung, who saw these as the building blocks of our emotional and psychological worlds. Archetypes give us a shared language for understanding complex internal experiences, and many, like Maureen Murdock, Marion Woodman, and Clarissa Pinkola Estés, have expanded Jung’s ideas to explore women’s journeys in particular. By recognising our own archetypal patterns, we can transform limiting beliefs, deepen our self-awareness, and ultimately reconnect with our truest selves.

Understanding the Power of Archetypes: Exploring 13 Inner Critics in Women Rising

In Women Rising , we delve into the world of inner critic archetypes—13 distinct yet interconnected voices that shape how we see ourselves and limit our potential. Each archetype represents a unique facet of the inner critic, bringing with it specific narratives, challenges, and strengths that echo our experiences as women. From the Perfectionist to the Empath, these archetypes reveal how internalised expectations, societal pressures, and personal fears often hold us back.

By exploring each of these archetypes, we gain profound insights into our own inner landscapes. For each archetype, Women Rising examines core beliefs, light and shadow qualities, and practical strategies for transforming self-doubt into self-compassion. Whether you recognise yourself in the People Pleaser, the Imposter, or the Overachiever, understanding these archetypes is a powerful step toward freeing yourself from limiting beliefs and stepping confidently into your authentic power.

In this blog series, I will introduce the archetypes that many of us encounter on our journey to self-discovery. If these resonate, you’ll find the complete exploration of all 13 archetypes in Women Rising, each with reflection questions, transformative practices, and insights to guide you toward self-awareness and inner strength. Here are the first three:

The Perfectionist: “One More Time” – The Fear of Failure and Judgment

The Perfectionist is driven by an intense fear of failure, convinced that any mistake reflects a deep personal inadequacy. She’s always striving for flawlessness, whether in her career, home, or personal relationships, pushing herself to meet impossibly high standards. At her core, she believes that “I’m not good enough,” and this inner critic is relentless, amplifying self-doubt and diminishing self-worth.

This archetype often refuses to celebrate success, quickly moving on to the next task without pausing to recognise accomplishments. The Perfectionist's inner critic convinces her that any small flaw invalidates her hard work, keeping her from truly owning her achievements.

Key Reflection Questions

• Do you struggle to let go of mistakes, replaying them in your mind?
• Do you set standards that are challenging to meet but find it difficult to adjust them?

Transforming the Perfectionist: To work with the Perfectionist, practice self-compassion and challenge your perfectionist standards. Notice when this inner critic arises, and gently remind yourself that progress, not perfection, is the true goal.

The Beauty Queen: “Am I Pretty Enough?” – The Burden of Beauty Standards

The Beauty Queen’s self-worth is closely tied to her appearance. Conditioned by societal beauty standards, she believes her value lies in how well she aligns with these ideals. Her inner critic constantly questions her attractiveness, amplifying insecurities about her looks, age, and weight, often leading to self-criticism and comparison with others.

This archetype’s inner critic makes her feel that she must look a certain way to be valued, tying her self-esteem to external validation. The Beauty Queen’s inner critic holds her back by convincing her that her worth is only skin-deep.

Key Reflection Questions

• Do you often rely on compliments or external validation to feel good about your appearance?

• Do you find yourself focused on societal beauty ideals?

Transforming the Beauty Queen: Working with the Beauty Queen archetype involves shifting focus to inner qualities and developing self-acceptance. Remind yourself that your value lies in more than appearance, and seek activities that uplift and fulfil you beyond beauty standards.

The Sceptic: “I’m Not Smart Enough” – Intellectual Self-Doubt

The Sceptic constantly questions her intelligence and capabilities, doubting her worth in academic or professional spaces. This archetype often feels the need to prove her intellectual ability, especially in environments where she may feel less valued or recognised. She’s quick to assume others know more than she does and hesitates to speak up, fearing judgment or exposure as an imposter.

The Sceptic’s inner critic undermines her confidence by convincing her that she’s not as capable or intelligent as others. This inner voice is relentless, amplifying fears of inadequacy and keeping her from taking risks or seizing new opportunities.

Key Reflection Questions

• Do you find yourself comparing your intelligence to others, particularly in professional spaces?

• Do you hesitate to speak up, fearing your contributions might be inadequate?

Transforming the Sceptic: Transforming the Sceptic involves building confidence through acknowledgment of past achievements and developing positive inner dialogue. Begin to value your own perspective and recognise the unique contributions you bring to any situation.

By recognising these archetypes in ourselves, we start to see the narratives that keep us from fully embracing our worth and potential. Each archetype, whether the Perfectionist, Beauty Queen, or Sceptic, offers a mirror to our inner world and, in doing so, opens pathways to self-compassion and transformation. As we continue to explore these archetypes, we uncover more layers of our inner landscape, empowering us to rewrite the stories that define us.

To delve into all 13 archetypes to understand yourself better, and get empowered about your future, order the Women Rising book and get the tools you need to create success on your own terms.

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