Hi Friends, What did you implement last week? Have you observed and listened to your inner critic? Now comes the tough part because today, we will learn how to silence the forever, ongoing tape of the inner critic. Here are some practical tips I collected from YOU and for you and others I collected over the years.
I talk to myself as I would talk to a good friend who was going through the same thing. It has helped me to be more compassionate and patient with myself.
Breathe, darling. This is just a chapter, not your whole story.
I ask myself, “Is this really true?”
I acknowledge the thought as it knocks on my door, allow it in but don't allow it to have a seat and I immediately show it the back door.
Practice self compassion.
Create a silly character or silly name for your inner critic.
Stop ruminating on it.
Replace critical words with more realistic and positive words.
Know that the inner critic is trying to protect you from fears.
Label your thoughts as thoughts and not as truth.
For example:
a) I’m not going to try because I know I'll fail.
What is the truth here? How about,
when I give it a try, I am already a success because I showed courage and tried.
b) Maybe you were told you are not college material by your parents or teachers. So, your underlying fear might be to disappoint them or having to repeat a class.
c) Maybe you were told you are not a good dancer/artist/musician/basketball player, etc.when you were young, and these voices keep playing in your head and have ingrained themselves as truth. Ask yourself, who spoke those words and are they really true?
d) Notice when you tell yourself, “I am so stupid,” and use the back door analogy.
e) Notice when you put yourself down like, "I have done it again" and then literally put yourself in your best friend’s shoes and speak to yourself in words he/she would say like, “You gave it a good try. Next time will be better! YOU GOT THIS. Don't give up now. You inspire me."
f) Maybe you have been told that you are too loud or too sensitive or too hyper or too quiet. Ask yourself, “Is that true? How has this trait helped me? What are the positives that come with it? Can I see the "superpower" in this?”
The more you practice this, the easier it will become. You just have to start. I love helping clients sort through the inner critic and am able to notice it right away when they speak his/her words. I literally stop them and we dig a little deeper and I ask all the above questions.
I saved the best tip for last! I loved it when I heard it and I apologize as I do not remember the source. It was definitely in an interview on the podcast "Woman of Impact.”
Here is what one interviewee said concerning how she silences her inner critic. Drum roll please…
I stuff it's mouth with marshmallows and shut it up!
Now, that might not be highly scientific, but I sure can not unsee this picture and maybe, just maybe, it will help you laugh and move forward as you learn to silence your inner critic. Need help silencing this inner critic? Message me.
PS: Message me for a free consult to start moving toward a more confident you.
You are loved. Deeply loved. Loved beyond measure.
Until next time,
Isabelle
Call or write for a free life coaching consultation
#732-331-2246
Isabellestephensoncoach@gmail.com
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