by Anastasia Fermin, Sunshima blog writer
Everyone has an inner critic, even the people you admire and aspire to be like. Our inner critics may vary, and the way we react to self-criticism is also unique to each individual. However, at the end of the day, negative self-talk is unhealthy. Therefore, in order to make progress on goals, and unlock your true potential, your inner critic needs to take a backseat. Here are some ways to silence your inner critic and convert negativity into a positive outlook!
Get to the bottom of it
Your inner critic doesn’t just bloom overnight. Listen carefully to the repeating themes of your negative self-talk. Does it stem from insecurities? Have you been conditioned to feel like you are inferior because of toxic relationships? Are you scared of moving out of your comfort zone? Take a moment to evaluate the things you think and say about yourself. Is there any merit to the statements? Probably not. Always remember that if you wouldn’t say those things to someone else, you shouldn’t be saying them to yourself.
Focus on your strengths
Instead of stressing about your perceived shortcomings, focus on the things that you should be proud of. For example, you may not be good at sports, but you may be a great guitar player. This is an awesome skill to have especially if you love music. When you feel like you are being negative or overly self-critical, always remind yourself that you are strong, capable and talented in many ways. Try to counteract critical statements with positive and uplifting comments that remind you of your worth.
Be productive
Our daily lives can be a whirlwind and having a harsh inner critic amidst it all is counterproductive. Being critical of yourself can hold you back from pursuing goals and dreams because you make yourself believe that you aren’t capable. When you want to achieve something, silence your inner critic by pushing forward and blocking out the noise. Positive re-enforcement is the key to moving beyond the criticism and breaking out of the cycle that keeps you down and out. Work on goals in small and realistic steps. They will eventually start adding up and you will start feeling better when you see progress occurring.
One day at a time
No one said it would be easy but it’s entirely possible to stop being so critical of yourself. Changing your mindset and the way you talk to yourself is a task that requires consistency. Every time you begin to say hurtful things to yourself, take a moment to breathe deeply and meditate on the things you are saying. Turn the bad comments around by reassuring yourself of your great qualities and accomplishments. To further strengthen positive bonds with yourself, take time to heal from past traumas, practice self-care and be mindful of yourself and the world around you. No one is perfect, but everyone has the ability to become a better version of themselves!