7 Types of Inner Critic
How can you quiet your inner critic?
Here are 6 steps:
1. Grab your journal
2. Now take a moment to reflect on the negative self-talk you experience.
Ask yourself these two questions:
→ WHAT does that inner voice say to me?
→ WHEN does it tend to speak up the most?
Once you’ve reflected, write down your answers.
For example:
→ WHAT: “You need to do better than that – that just isn’t good enough”
→ WHEN: “When I’m about to end a project”
3. Okay, now we’re a bit more aware of that little voice, right?
Great! Now do this:
→ Name that inner critic.
→ Look at your “WHAT” and give it a name.
This is gonna help you separate it from your own identity.
Because you’re not your critical voice, right?
So, look at your ‘WHAT’ and choose a name from these 7:
1. The Guilt Tripper
2. The Perfectionist
3. The Task Master
4. The Underminer
5. The Conformist
6. The Controller
7. The Destroyer
(Look at the visual to choose the right one).
For example, let’s imagine your “WHAT” is this:
→ “You need to do better than that – that just isn’t good enough”
This means that voice is “The Perfectionist”.
4. Okay! We’re doing a great job!
Now it’s time to address that Perfectionist.
Guess what we’re gonna do?
Well, you just need to start a conversation with it.
“A conversation?”
Yep! A conversation!
“Uhm, and what do I have to say to it?”
Oh, you just need to figure out its motivation and origins.
For example you can ask it:
→ Uhm, tell me, why are you so critical?
→ Where does your message come from?
And remember, you have 2 options:
→ You can talk with it in writing form — so you write down a conversation.
→ Or you can talk with it out loud — like you talk with a friend.
5. Alright, now that you’ve got an idea about where it’s coming from, do this:
→ Challenge it with kindness and compassion.
“Uhm, do you mean challenging the Perfectionist?”
Exactly! Ask yourself:
→ Is that voice just stating facts, or is it seeing things in a wonky way?
You just need to focus on the realistic perspectives.
99% of the time, that voice is not true.
6. Now take a moment and do this:
→ Imagine transforming that inner critic into a more supportive inner voice.
Try to visualize your new voice:
→ Its look
→ Its sound
→ And how it makes you feel
Just accept the fact that your Inner Critic has now become your Supportive Voice.
This is how you can quiet your inner critic.
And let’s remember: you’re not alone in this journey.
All of us have that inner voice inside us.
It’s all about being kind and compassionate with it.
Stewart Life Coaching
504.578.0006