Working With The Inner Critic
Moving beyond self-judgment
We all have a critical inner voice.
It points out our flaws and replays our mistakes, and we believe its harshness keeps us sharp.
But what if this self-criticism is actually keeping us stuck? It often only makes us afraid. Afraid to start, to make a mistake, to be seen as imperfect.
Instead of arguing with this critic, we can experiment with simply seeing its words for what they are: just thoughts passing through our awareness.
This practice of mindful observation creates space where we can:
Notice the thought without becoming it. We can shift from "I am a failure" to "I am having the thought that I am a failure."
Consider its (misguided) intention. The critic often wants to protect us. We can acknowledge, "This thought is trying to keep me safe."
Gently redirect to the next small step. After noticing, we can consciously return our focus to the present moment and our next practical action.
The idea is to build the resilience to see ourselves honestly, without the paralyzing effect of harsh judgment. Acknowledging the inner critic from a distance is what allows us to learn and keep taking consistent, effective action.
What if, the next time your inner critic speaks up, you simply noticed it, considered its intention, and then gently returned your focus to your next action?
Mindfully,
/rajesh