The Voice in Your Head
You know the one, it’s that random voice you hear criticizing your dreams, warning you to do, or not to do things because well, you’re not very good at it or things are not perfect yet, or so-n-so wouldn’t approve.
It’s that voice that decides and talks to you all day long telling you whether or not you’re good enough, smart enough, pretty/handsome enough, you’re not bold enough or maybe too bold.
You’re not born with an inner critic, it’s developed over time. It starts when you’re just a little kid, before speech is developed and impressions of what adults approve of start to get stored in your brain. We start to take in and believe the external signals about ourselves and that inner critic starts to chatter in the background about what we should and shouldn’t do.
Your inner critic lives in your “lower brain” or sometimes called your primitive or survival brain. This part of the brain is responsible for your survival. Its main job is to patrol for danger. It’s looking at your surroundings, it’s looking at your work environment, it’s looking at the people you encounter, it’s trying to make psychological sense of things you encounter. That part of your brain is there to protect you, it’s where your “fight, flight, flee and fawn” resides. It has a purpose but can get hijacked when it’s coupled with the self-doubt your inner critic can create.
A way you can recognize your inner critic is the tone of its voice. It’s often shaming, blaming and generally negative, even sarcastic in the words it’s running on auto-repeat in the back of your mind. It’s kind of like a low hum bringing a negative vibe, constantly bringing your attention to the faults you believe or have been told you have. On the flip-side, your inner guide speaks in a calm tone, one that is guiding, bringing your attention to the right thing for you, never pressuring, never sarcastic, but loving and gentle.
I am here to remind you that you are not defined by this inner critic. You are not limited by its harsh words or its relentless scrutiny. You possess a resilience that can silence this critic and awaken a sense of self-love and empowerment within you.
Recognize Your Inner Critic: Take notice of when this voice emerges, understand its triggers, and acknowledge its presence without judgment. Awareness is the key to reclaiming your power.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: When the critic speaks, question its validity. Is it speaking the truth, or is it echoing outdated beliefs and unfounded fears? Challenge these thoughts with compassion and logic.
Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the tenderness and love you so readily offer others. Embrace your imperfections as a part of your unique beauty and strength.
Focus on Your Strengths: Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Acknowledge your talents, your achievements, and the light that shines brightly within you.
Limit Comparison: Your journey is yours alone, incomparable to anyone else's. Embrace your individuality and progress at your own pace, guided by your inner compass.
Seek Support: Lean on the shoulders of friends, mentors, and loved ones. Share your struggles and allow their guidance to illuminate your path and lift your spirits.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Embrace the practice of mindfulness to quiet the critic's voice and center yourself in the present moment. Meditation can bring peace to your mind and nurture a sense of inner calm.
As you consider these things, I want you to remember that you are enough, just as you are. If you or someone you know are struggling to understand your inner critic, I’m here to help. Reply to this email, or schedule a chat with me and we’ll talk it through.
Welcome new subscribers! I am the host of The Pivot Year FB group you joined this year.
Have a great week!
Chris
