It’s that voice that says what you should or can’t do. That voice full of self-doubt, fear, insecurities and feelings of unworthiness. Since I’m tired of listening to that voice – and I’m sure you are as well – I’m sharing five ways to help you silence your inner critic and transform it into your inner cheerleader. As it usually happens, I was searching for ways to quiet mine and thought that this could also benefit some of you. Feel free to share your own tips, we are here to help each other 🙂
How To Silence Your Critic
1. Acknowledge your thoughts
Be aware of your negative self-talk and figure out what are you afraid of. Is it there a valid reason or you’re just a big over thinker like me? What’s the worst that could happen? Put a name to your fears and you will maybe realize they’re not as big of a deal as they seemed in your head. You are not your thoughts, acknowledge but don’t be led by them. Just because you think something, doesn’t mean it’s true.
2. Be your own cheerleader
Replace your negative thoughts with something positive. Say to your inner critic “shut up, I can do this, I am enough”. Use that inner critic as a motivation to prove it wrong. Have a mantra to say to yourself when you start questioning yourself. If you say something enough times, eventually you will start to believe it. Visualize success and try your best to believe you’re going to do great. It’s hard but it definitely helps.
3. Practice self-kindness
It’s a lot easier to identify your flaws than the things you’re great at. But imagine if someone said to you in person some of the things that you think about yourself: “you’re ugly, you can’t do it or you will never make it”. How would you feel? And how would you feel if someone said to your daughter, mother or sister? Realize when you’re feeling critical and replace it for something kinder.
4. Don’t dwell on mistakes
We all make mistakes. I’ve made a lot of them and while I wish I had done some things differently, I have to admit that my mistakes helped me grow, learn and become the person I am today, as cheesy as that may sound. Be more forgiving towards yourself.
5. You’re a work in progress
Don’t beat yourself up over your flaws, know your strengths. And if you’re not in the stage you want to be, work for it. Set attainable, smalls goals and work to achieve them. With patient and work, you will eventually get there 🙂
