How to Tame Your Inner Critic ??

As high achievers, the pursuit of excellence often means we set high standards for ourselves. While ambition drives us to improve, it can also invite a relentless inner critic that undermines our confidence and peace of mind. We are also faced with the voices and feedback from coaches, loved ones, friends, fans, peers, etc.?

I'm sure you've experienced this before. One conversation or message that flipped the switch and gave you great doubt or incredible confidence.??

This is when a skill like mindfulness is critical because it allows you to notice what's happening so you can adjust quickly.??

Understanding the Inner Critic?

We all have both an inner critic and an inner coach. Sometimes, one is louder than the other.?

The inner critic is that negative voice inside our heads, constantly judging, blaming, and comparing. It thrives on our fears and insecurities, often magnifying mistakes and downplaying successes.

You may have heard me also refer to this negative spiral as "hater thoughts." As in, "There I go hating on myself again." But, you don't have to believe those thoghts.

Recognizing the inner critic is the first step towards taming it. Notice when it appears and how it speaks to you.

?“For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.” -??Amanda Gorman

?7 Techniques to Tame Your Inner Critic

1. Name Your Inner Critic: Give your inner critic a persona or a name. This helps create distance between you and the negative voice, making it easier to challenge its validity. Then, acknowledge it, and kindly shut it down. This is key because if you make it an adversary, you could stir up anger and anxiety. Instead, you can tell your inner critic something like, "Thanks, but no thanks."?
2. Let Your Inner Critic Speak, And Then Let Your Inner Coach Step In:?Let your inner critic say what it has to say, but then quickly challenge that with your inner coach.? You can do this in your mind, but it's also helpful to write it out.?
3. Challenge Negative Thoughts: When you catch your inner critic in action, pause and question its statements. Are they based on facts or assumptions? Would you say these things to a friend in a similar situation? Then, remind yourself that you don't have to believe all of your thoughts. You can choose to tell a different story.?
4. Reframe Your Thoughts: Turn negative statements into positive, constructive ones. Instead of "I always mess up," try "I’m learning and growing with each experience." You can remind yourself of all of your victories and that you've already overcome your hardest days.
5. Visualize a Supportive Mentor: Imagine what a trusted coach or mentor would say to you in a moment of self-doubt. Use their encouraging words to counteract the critic's negativity. As you do this, try to feel the energy and emotion of a time when the supportive mentor helped you.?
6. Create a Positive Affirmation Routine: Develop a habit of repeating positive affirmations daily. This practice can help drown out the inner critic and reinforce self-belief and confidence.
7. Set Boundaries: Recognize that your inner critic does not define you. Set mental boundaries to keep its negativity from influencing your actions and self-perception. To do this, you might give your inner critic a time limit. For example, "Okay, it's been 5 minutes, you said what you needed to say, and now I'm moving forward."

Give one of these a try and let me know how it goes.?

Are you looking to cultivate a culture of resilience and positive mental health within your team or organization? Our specialized programs and workshops are designed to equip teams and organizations with the tools they need to excel. We personalize programs for your specific needs. From 1-1 Coaching to Group Programs, we have you covered.?Book a FREE Winning Mental Strategy Session Today!?

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Affirmations For The Week

• I am worthy of my own love and respect.
• I acknowledge my efforts and celebrate my progress.
• I am resilient and can overcome any challenge.
• With every mistake and failure, I learn and come back stronger.
• I deserve to be kind to myself.?
• I am enough.?
• I am safe, supported, and loved. ?