We all have that voice in our head that whispers (or shouts) doubts.
“You’re not ready.”
“You’ll fail.”
“Who do you think you are?”
This inner critic can be relentless. In Unraveling Your True Self, the author explains that this voice often comes from early life experiences, societal pressures, or past failures — and it’s not a true reflection of who you are.
Recognizing the Inner Critic
The first step in quieting this voice is awareness. Pay attention to the moments when you hesitate to take action. Is it because you genuinely need more preparation, or because your inner critic is talking you out of it?
Transforming the Voice
- Name It:Give your inner critic a name. This helps you separate it from your real identity.
- Challenge It:Ask, “Is this thought based on facts or fear?”
- Replace It:Instead of “I can’t do this,” try, “I can learn how to do this.”
- When you start treating yourself as your own best friend rather than your harshest critic, doors open. You take more risks, express yourself fully, and stop letting fear run the show.