Working With Your Inner Critic

Most people have one.

Some people manage them.

Some people are overwhelmed by them…

I’m talking about your inner critic.

Because of the noise, it can be easy to try and silence your inner critic.

Yet according to an article in Counselling Directory, and from my own personal experience, trying to silence the noise is not always the best way to bring calm.

So what can you do?

1. Acknowledge the presence of your inner critic. I often say things like, “Hello, you’re back. What’s all this fuss about then?”

2. Turn your inner critic into a character. Name it; draw it… whatever works for you. Just remember it can’t harm you. Silly or misplaced bossiness or…

3. Recognise that potentially your inner critic is trying to protect you and keep you safe. What might have caused the chatter to get louder? Say ‘thank you’ for the warning. I use words like, “Thanks for the input but I’ve got this covered.”

4. Don’t go into battle and try to fight your inner critic. Or get caught up in the chatter. Although it might be noisy, try and move your focus elsewhere.

5. Turn to your old friend logic. Practical, calm and grounded, logic can help you reflect on your inner critic thoughts, see where it is wrong and find a more balanced view.

Of course everyone’s experience is different.

The ways that work for you will vary. What matters is that you are positively and proactively doing something about it.

Then you can calmly calm the noise and move forward.