Silence Your Inner Critic
We all have an inner dialogue inside our heads. We typically have a champion inner voice, encouraging us to feel confident and to reach our fullest potential.
Then there’s often that other voice. The one that is critical of every move we make. The one that looks at all of our perceived flaws under a microscope and calls them out with a thunderous voice. The one who tells us we can’t do anything right and we’ll never amount to anything. In some of us, this voice is overpowering at times and makes it difficult to try new things which involves taking risks and being vulnerable.
Ever notice how loud your inner critic is? Or which voice is doing the most talking in your life? If you are a number one on the enneagram, you are very familiar with this part of you that is self-defeating and your inner critic is likely running the show. Ever wish you could tell it to be quiet?
Here are some powerful ways you can soften your inner critic and move towards silencing it:
Be More Mindful
In order to silence your inner critic, you must first become aware of it. You cannot change what you are not aware of, right? And this is where mindful meditation comes in.
When we practice being mindful, we tune into the here and now and become FULLY aware of the present. The more you practice mindfulness, the more aware you will be when that negative voice inside you begins to speak.
In addition, mindfulness teaches us that we are not our thoughts, we are the observer of them. Soon you will begin to choose which thoughts to focus on more carefully. This is a powerful shift that can change your life!
One way to practice mindfulness is by tuning into your breathing. Notice what it feels like to breathe in and out and be curious about each breath. Another helpful way to practice mindfulness is to download an app on your phone like the Calm App and listen to a guided meditation.
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
In a world where 24/7 social media would have us believe that everyone else is smarter, thinner, richer and generally better than we are, it’s hard not to compare ourselves to others. But doing so only gives your inner critic weapons to use against you.
Practice Self-Compassion
You would never treat others the way you treat yourself. Begin to treat yourself with the compassion you would a small child or your best friend. No one is perfect. But all of us are worthy of love, kindness and respect. We must begin to show ourselves more love, kindness and respect and we can do that by practicing self-compassion.
Hopefully these tips help you to silence that inner critic once and for all. And if you’d like more help on building your confidence and self-esteem, contact DLM Counseling today. I work with people to empower them so they can build the life they dream about.
SOURCES:
https://www.omaritani.com/blog/how-to-silence-your-inner-critic
https://themindsjournal.com/how-silence-your-inner-critic/