How to Free Yourself From Your Inner Critic

Who is that inner critic who says mean things to you? The one that speaks with contempt and scorn?

Since it seems to be a voice in your head, you likely think it speaks the truth.

But that voice in your head isn’t you. It’s just thoughts. Usually false beliefs that hold you back or try to protect you.

But it might be others’ opinions that you’ve heard over the years. Perhaps a parent or sibling used to berate you. Or put you in a small box. “You never finish anything,” someone may have said after you put a sweater you were knitting aside, never to pick it up again.

To cultivate an awareness that you’re not your inner critic AND to not let it hog up airtime in your mind OR prevent you from indulging in new creative pursuits, do this:

Practice becoming aware of your inner critic. Note your thoughts as thoughts when they float by in your mind. And note your feelings as feelings. When you feel ill at ease as you consider an invitation to a party, you pause and say, “Feeling.” Just as you watch a river flow by, imagine you’re watching thoughts and feelings floating along past you.

Doing so creates more of a gap or space between your thoughts or feelings AND yourself. Just because you have certain thoughts and feelings doesn’t mean you have to identify with them … or be those feelings.

This labeling or noting practice allows you to more elegantly respond to your inner critic … and let go, thereby freeing yourself from being dragged down by corrosive thoughts or feelings.

What’s more, it can liberate you to write more freely.

Silencing your inner critic will free your inner writer to express itself.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to stay inspired and creative while writing your book, reach out.