Overcoming the Inner Critic Crisis

I vividly remember taking my Certified Safety Professional (CSP) exam. I was confident until I locked my belongings in the lockers of the testing facility. The feeling of no turning back increased my heart rate. When I sat down for the exam, I started questioning every answer I selected. Around question #40, I took a break, went to the restroom, looked in the mirror, and verbally told myself, "Ben, you're YOU. This is your field. You prayed for this, and now it’s time to show up." I went back into the testing room, sat down, and passed the exam. I was having an inner critic crisis that I had to pull myself out of.

A crisis can be defined as a time of intense difficulty or danger, often requiring immediate action to prevent further escalation. In emergency response contexts, crises encompass natural disasters, health epidemics, and other critical events that threaten lives, property, and societal stability. Effective emergency response efforts are crucial to mitigate impacts, ensuring the situation does not spiral further out of control.

While societal crises demand collective action, individuals often face a different kind of crisis that is internal and psychological—the crisis of the inner critic. The inner critic is an internal voice that provides feedback on our actions and decisions. While its intentions can be constructive, guiding us to improve and avoid mistakes, it frequently becomes overly harsh and negative, hindering our ability to make progress.

The Dual Nature of the Inner Critic

Not all inner criticism is detrimental. At its best, the inner critic serves as a quality control mechanism, pushing us to refine our work, strive for excellence, and avoid complacency. This kind of constructive criticism is beneficial, as it helps us maintain high standards and achieve our goals.

However, the inner critic can morph into a negative force, becoming excessively judgmental and undermining our confidence. This negative inner critic can lead to a state of paralysis where fear of failure or imperfection stops us from taking action. It tells us we’re not good enough, or that others will inevitably see through our facade of competence commonly known as impostor syndrome.

“I still sometimes feel like a loser kid in high school and I just have to pick myself up and tell myself that I’m a superstar every morning so that I can get through this day and be for my fans what they need for me to be. ~Lady Gaga

To prevent the inner critic from hindering our progress, we must develop strategies to manage and overcome its negative influence. Here are three effective ways to do so:

1. Recognize When the Inner Criticism Morphs from Quality Control to Progress Pausing

The first step in overcoming the inner critic is to become aware of when its feedback stops being constructive and starts being destructive. This requires mindfulness and self-awareness. Pay attention to your thoughts and notice when your inner dialogue turns from helpful suggestions to harsh judgments. When I recognized this in the testing facility, I had to take action! Ask yourself whether the criticism is aimed at improving your work or simply preventing you from moving forward.

2. Ask for an Outside Opinion to Avoid Paralysis by Over-Analysis

When you find yourself stuck in a cycle of over-analysis and self-doubt, seeking an outside perspective can be invaluable. Share your concerns and work with someone you trust. Consider a colleague, friend, or mentor. Oftentimes, an external viewpoint can provide clarity, reaffirm your capabilities, and help you see the value in your efforts. This can break the cycle of negative self-talk and restore your confidence!

3. Be Your Own Cheerleader

In a world that can be quick to criticize, it’s essential to be your own advocate. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and remind yourself of your strengths and past successes. Positive self-affirmation can counterbalance the negativity of the inner critic. Remember, there is already enough external opposition; you don’t need to add your voice to the choir of naysayers.

Conclusion

The inner critic crisis is a personal battle that many of us face, often hindering our progress and diminishing our confidence. By recognizing when the inner critic shifts from constructive to destructive, we can take appropriate action. In doing so, we allow ourselves the freedom to pursue our goals with confidence and resilience, turning our inner critic into a supportive guide rather than a relentless adversary. It’s a matter of perspective.

Have a great rest of the week!