As many of you know, I spent nearly three decades in the corporate space as a communications leader and people manager.
While I always strived to be outwardly poised, confident and self-assured, on the inside, my inner critic – that voice in your head that judges, criticizes and introduces self-doubt - was always present.
An inner critic will often show up when you are stepping outside your comfort zone – pursuing a new opportunity, managing through a difficult challenge or facing an uncomfortable situation. The critic’s messages might sound like, “You’re not good enough, smart enough, experienced enough”, etc. An inner critic, if highly active, can take a toll on your self-esteem, confidence, and emotional well-being…if you choose to let it.
Becoming aware and acknowledging your inner critic is an important first step in better understanding it. When does your critic generally show up? What circumstances trigger it? What feelings or emotions are you experiencing when it is present? Perhaps your inner critic has served a purpose in the past, emboldening you to take a step back and more fully explore a situation before pursuing a path or making a decision that might not best serve you?
The good news is, when your inner critic decides to show up - and it will – it is no match for your inner coach - the voice deep inside your head, heart and gut where your inner strength, sense of values and belief in your true self reside. The inner coach can help to interrupt the critic’s negative message loop and support you in reframing your thoughts, allowing you to move forward with greater self-confidence and conviction.
So, in answer to the question – Inner Critic, Friend or Foe? - I say it can be both. If you would like to better understand your inner critic and discover your inner coach, connect with me to schedule a complimentary discovery session to unlock the blocks that may be getting in the way of reaching your full potential.
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