Three Strategies To Tame Your Inner Critic

Three Strategies to Tame Your Inner Critic

 

Whether we like it or not, we all have an inner critic. You’re going to miss this free throw. You’re not smart enough to pass this test. You’re a bad parent. These types of thoughts can swirl around in our minds and deflate our spirits. Yet while self-criticism is an inevitable part of being human, it doesn’t have to define our daily experience. Consider these three strategies to help you face your inner critic and enjoy a happier, more peaceful life.

 

1) Give your inner critic a name

 

Naming the critical voice can help you separate negative thoughts from your personal identity, making the thoughts less powerful. You can even try naming it after your least favorite fictional villain, or any silly title that comes to mind. Some examples to consider: Fred, Voldemort, or Captain Buzzkill. The next time you hear that voice, don’t buy into it. Say, “You don’t know what you’re talking about, Captain Buzzkill!”

 

2) Allow your inner critic to exist

 

Often, our natural instinct is to push negative thoughts away. However, this strategy can lead to us spending more time dwelling on the thoughts. Accepting a negative thought doesn’t mean we have to believe it. Instead, we can acknowledge that the thought is present, but then redirect our attention. For example, if you are about to take a penalty kick in soccer, instead of fixating on Voldemort saying, “You’re going to miss this shot,” allow the thought to exist. But then, take a moment to feel the grass under your cleats, the sensation of your breath, the feel of the wind against your skin, and then take the kick with a clear mind.

 

3) Use Mental Imagery

 

Mental imagery can be a powerful tool for letting go of critical thoughts. For example, try imagining that your thoughts are lily pads floating away down a river and out of view. Our brains respond strongly to visualization, and mental pictures like this can make it easier for us to take attention off the critical voice.

 

So give these strategies a try, and remember, Captain Buzzkill is lying!