The inner critic

Most individuals are acquainted with the inner critic, the pessimistic voice that appears dedicated to impeding progress and undermining confidence.

The standard advice for dealing with this issue typically involves disregarding the inner voice or persuading it of its inaccuracies. Nevertheless, a recent discussion by Teal Swan presents a different perspective, suggesting that the inner critic is not an adversary but a self-protective element within an individual.

The purpose of the inner critic is to shield oneself from unnecessary pain by steering clear of specific actions or situations that may lead to distress. For instance, my inner critic goes to great lengths to prevent me from drawing attention or achieving too much success, as I discovered in my youth that it was best to keep a low profile.

Understanding the inner critic has shed light on why I struggle to excel in my projects or realize my dreams. It is challenging to succeed when I fear success and visibility the most. My inner critic diligently prevents me from showcasing my abilities and achievements.

When my inner critic dominates, I struggle to write. I doubt my abilities, feel uninspired, and believe my words go unnoticed. Despite my efforts, I find it challenging to compose a coherent piece, with paragraphs and sentences remaining stagnant on the page for weeks.

However, I acknowledge the importance of addressing the influence of the inner critic. I need to convince it that it is safe for me to express my ideas and showcase my skills to others. The inner critic's criticisms are based on past experiences. I comprehend why I hesitate to stand out - I fear rudeness, rejection, or criticism of my thoughts.

Instead of ignoring or eliminating the inner critic, I need to demonstrate to it that circumstances have changed. I am now an adult, not a child or a teenager. I can disregard others' opinions of what I say, and I don't have to be perfect to take up space.

Considering my present situation, this explanation of the inner critic has improved my self-awareness. I believe it is essential to revisit discussions on topics like the inner critic repeatedly and from different viewpoints to truly understand them. Although this interpretation is beneficial, I might need a new approach to the same concept in the future—it's all part of my continuous learning process.