Are you ready to make peace with your Inner Critic? As I begin writing thoughts appear, “Your children are not learning enough during the pandemic. You’re not a good mother. What do you have to say that hasn’t already been said?” Negative chatter like this stops us from reaching our dreams and goals and can also lead to depression, especially when we feel so isolated during COVID.
Today, are you ready to take the challenge with me? Make peace with that inner critic–your false self or ego?
It’s the voice that says you’re not smart enough, or pretty enough? You’re too fat. You’re too poor. You don’t know what you’re doing. Let’s decide today that we’ll shine a light on ways to silence the voice. What if we had tools to make peace with that negative voice when it starts chiming in? Well NOW you do. And here are what Positive Psychology studies are suggesting.
How do you make peace with the inner critic?
Look for the positive. Amplify Your Strengths: Some research has suggested that we need five positive thoughts for every negative voice we carry around in our heads to feel balanced, happy, and productive. We often assume focusing on our weaknesses will help, when actually, amplifying our strengths is more important and MORE productive.
Ask for the Positive: When bosses or others are critical, make sure you ask them for positive feedback as well. They may not realize the power of the mind. Neuroscientists studying learning have found this to be the case—when you expect and compliment what’s going right, this expands, and your team will perform stronger.
Name the critical voice as quickly as possible. If you’ve ever seen the movie “Bird-Man” the lead character has a very demeaning voice. Whenever you hear the mean voice—label it. Bring it to awareness, “Oh there’s that critical voice.” Mentally reassure the crazy critic that you got this and you can handle it. With practice, you’ll label it quickly.
Get out of your head and into the present moment. When you live in the moment, your inner voices go silent. From that point, you are operating from your heart, your deeper mind. You are then following your infinite wisdom, rather than your Ego thinking brain. To become present in the moment, take a few breaths, become aware of your body or your immediate surroundings. This breaks the grip.
Make peace and ask the voice to be more of a coach. I learned this from Jack Canfield, #1 NY Times best-selling author of the “Success Principles,” and “Chicken Soup for the Soul.” At one point, he had a conversation with his inner critic, and said, “Hey, I need you to be more supportive, like a coach This other way is clearly NOT working.” From that point on, the voice seemed more positive, more supportive.
And if all else fails, picture that voice and its big mouth-yakking away. Now, take a huge piece of black tape. Cover up the mouth with all of your might. That will fix it!
So if you have a critical voice that needs silencing or you are having signs of depression or anxiety during this pandemic, you may need a life coach or meditation coach to help you get to a more positive state of mind. I am available to book a free breakthrough session to see if we are a compatible team on your journey to wellness.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Vicki
P.S. Below is a great meditation to release fear and that critical voice! Get this guided imagery today! And share this blog article with your friends and family.
Vicki Atlas Israel is a Certified Guided Imagery Practitioner and Meditation Coach. Atlas is passionate about bringing more peace and well-being to you and your family. You can connect with her at Vicki@InnerPowerMindset.com