Are You Your Own Worst Critic?

Quieten your inner critic and begin to live a happier, more successful life.

Do you have a little voice in your head, constantly telling you that you are not good enough, nobody will want to read or buy your work, you’re too old or too young, or a million other negative jibes?

If you do, you are in good company. Most of us have this nagging little voice from time to time, and for some it can be an almost constant companion. The good news is you can learn to silence this annoying critic and develop an encouraging, friendly and positive voice in its place.

Everyone has that inner voice, the one that’s a Negative Nancy. I’d say to ignore that voice and to be confident and follow your heart.

– Katharine McPhee

Become Aware

The first thing to do is to become aware of the critic. Start to listen to the thoughts that run through your head. Sometimes it is just there in the background. Like an annoying noise we don’t notice until it stops, it is constantly feeding us negativity. And when we silence it, everything becomes clearer and we can develop self confidence and self belief.

Your Journal Is Your Friend

You can use journaling to note down the negative thoughts, and watch for patterns. What thoughts are constantly running through your head? Which ones do you repeat over and over? Whose voice are they in? Maybe it’s your own voice, or the voice of an overly critical parent or old school teacher. Perhaps a boss who was always on at you. Write it all down, and get familiar with it.

Quieten Your Inner Critic And Turn It Around

Use affirmations that you create by turning the negative thoughts into positive ones. Now that you are aware of what is happening, you can start to change it. ‘I’m too old’ becomes ‘you’re never too old’, ‘nobody would want to read this’ becomes ‘there are people this would really help’. Every time you find the old self criticism pop up, just repeat your positive affirmation. This will soon become your new way of thinking.

Women need to shift from thinking, ‘I’m not ready to do that,’ to thinking, ‘I want to do that, and I’ll learn by doing it.’

– Sheryl Sandberg

Be Kind To Yourself

Really practice being kind to yourself. Would you talk to your child, a colleague or a friend that way? Treat yourself as kindly as you treat others. If you notice negative thoughts, picture yourself in conversation with your best friend. What would you say to her in the same situation? Learn to speak that way to yourself.

Learn to be kind to yourself. Let your mind free, close your eyes, breathe deeply and remain calm. Life is majestic and meaningful enough.

― Shaa Zainol

Reframe Your Relationship

Your inner critic is well meaning, and trying to keep you safe. It doesn’t want you to fail. You can reframe the relationship and take charge. Let your rational, logical brain take over and take charge. You know what you can do, what you are capable of.

Want to know more about how you can quieten that nagging inner critic? Download my FREE PDF and learn 5 ways to do just that:

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