Mindset Moments
That little voice in your head, the one that tells you you’re not good enough, that you’re going to mess up, that others are better, gosh it can feel so impossible to silence at times. Left unchecked, it can sabotage progress, drain confidence and keep you stuck in a loop of self-doubt.
The inner critic is often a deep seated human survival mechanism, something that's been with us since the beginnings of our human time on this planet, an instinct that wants to keep us safe...keep us alive.
In the modern world, it's still trying to protect us, to keep us safe from failure, embarrassment, or rejection by pre-emptively highlighting every possible flaw. It actually comes from a place of positive intention, it loves you and cares deeply about you.
Unfortunately, it does this so loudly that we begin to believe it’s all the absolute truth.
Let's take a look at a few practical inner-critic switch off tips:
Practical tips for inner-critic calm down
Name it nicely:
Give your inner critic the name of someone or something that does or has cared about you unconditionally. Someone who has always believed in you and whilst they may have been a little over protected, has always had your best interest at heart.
Gently challenge it:
When your inner-critic shows up, explore these questions:~ Consider whether there is any truth in what they are saying, what is the evidence?
~ Do you have evidence to the contrary?
~ What action could you take to mitigate any risks?
~ What has been helpful about their concerns?
~ What would you like to say to them in response?
This logical step helps to cut through emotional distortion.Reframe and move-on:
Now that you've checked the reality, reframe the thought to match reality and quieten your inner critic by telling them you've got this.
Remember that your inner-critic comes from a place of positive intention, but it isn't you. You get to choose whether the voice has anything valid to say and you can turn the volume down.
“Don’t believe everything you think.” — Unknown
If your inner critic is running the show, I can help you rewrite the script and step into a kinder, more confident mindset. Do get in touch and book a FREE intro call.
Hi I'm Zoë Schofield
Your dedicated Career, Life & Personal Development Coach.
Clarity + Courage for Crossroad Moments
I help people navigate career crossroads, life transitions and everything in between... through curiosity, clarity, confidence and perhaps a little humour too along the way!
I've been where you are; successful on paper but unsure what's next, perhaps pulled in too many directions and craving something more aligned. My coaching is practical, human and gently challenging. No pressure to have it all figured out, just real support to help you reconnect with what matters and take action from there.
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