The way you speak to yourself has the power to either build you up or break you down. Your inner voice is critical because, in most cases, you repeat what you heard from your parents or other authority figures as a child.
If the criticism is excessive, it can deter you from attempting and reduce the joy from your life.
Eliminate the critic in your head and consider the following strategies that demonstrate more than one way to reconcile with your inner critic.
Develop a Relationship with Your Inner Critic
Your inner critic exists to safeguard you from failure and other potential hazards.
Discover how to use it to your advantage rather than against you:
1. Raising awareness.
You may have grown so accustomed to your inner critic that you barely notice what it is saying. Begin transforming your relationship by attempting to comprehend what it is trying to communicate.
2. Take a step back.
What is your earliest memory of your inner critic?
Does it remind you of a specific person from your past?
There may be family issues or other difficulties that require resolution before you can go on.
3. Maintain a growth mindset.
Perhaps your inner voice tells you that you're lousy at arithmetic since you failed a third-grade test. You are not, in fact, a prisoner of your history. Adopt a growth attitude that enables you to become anything you want as long as you are willing to work for it.
4. Strive for the stars.
Additionally, you may find it simpler to deal with your inner critic if you have a deeper purpose in mind. When you're pursuing something greater than yourself, you may accept your self-doubts without succumbing to them.
5. Consider meditation.
Many adults discover that meditation enables them to improve the comfort and motivational quality of their self-talk. Allow yourself to let go of judgments and reconnect with your inherent kindness.
How to Quiet Your Inner Critic
On the other hand, there are instances when a break is all that is required. If your self-talk is causing you anxiety and depression, there is hope.
1. Look for distractions.
Redirect your attention. Take a walk or curl up with a book. Spend time doing something you enjoy.
2. Take a step back.
Reduce the volume by imagining your inner critic speaking to someone else rather than to you. Take any statement and substitute a humorous moniker for the personal pronouns.
3. Determine triggers.
Provide yourself with advance notice. Determine the circumstances in which your inner critic is most likely to surface. You may be overly sensitive to first dates or negative feedback from your boss.
4. Make a list of your strengths.
If you're tired of hearing about your shortcomings, consider your strengths. Make a list of your abilities, from baking bread to programming code. Remind yourself often of how amazing you are!
5. Eliminate exaggerations.
Your home will not be condemned simply because you were too busy for a few days to vacuum. Maintain perspective by being accurate with your self-talk.
6. Make use of affirmations.
When you're feeling low, repeating positive affirmations can provide a lift. For inspiration, you can check out my IG Stories, use an app like 'I AM', or create your list of affirmations.
7. Remind yourself of your worth.
Self-criticism erodes self-esteem. Restore it by persuading yourself that you deserve happiness and success.
8. Develop your network.
While it is necessary to value yourself, it also helps to have others on your side. Surround yourself with family and friends that inspire confidence in you and your endeavours.
Take charge of your inner dialogue and your future. Be gentle with yourself and continue striving to realize your full potential.