Here’s an effective strategy to quiet the inner critic and create a positive outlook.
We all have that “judge” or inner critic that constantly finds fault with ourselves, others and our circumstances. Rather than a positive outlook, it contributes to negative feelings.
This invisible inhabitant of your mind generates so much of your anxiety, stress, anger, disappointment, shame, guilt.
It comes across as a ‘tough love’ voice of reason but it is really a destructive saboteur robbing you of your joy, peace, creativity, compassion, and curiosity.
Bringing it into your awareness is the first step to strengthening the positive, wiser part of you which Positive Intelligence refers to as the Sage.
FIRST, begin by noticing and even writing down the things that you say to yourself.
Awareness is the first step to change!
THEN try this strategy called the Inner Dream Team by Joyce Marter, LCPC
1. Give your inner critic a name to externalize that part of yourself.
2. Recognize how she’s negatively impacting your life.
3. The next time you hear her voice, ask her to kindly step aside.
4. Then, invite your inner dream team to evaluate the situation with you:
Positive Coach: affirming, empathetic, empowering
Best Friend: listens without judgement, knows you’re doing your best and appreciates you for who you are.
Loving Parent: loving and encouraging – no matter what. What would you say to a young child who is hurting?
What would it feel like to take action from a place of self-love and compassion instead of self-loathing?
Empowering?
Uplifting?
Motivating?
Joyful?
Imagine if rather than criticizing ourselves, we spent the same amount of time offering ourselves loving acceptance.
Who would we be then?
Treat yourself kindly for the next few days and notice how it helps create a positive mindset increasing your happiness and the happiness of the people around you.
The truth is you deserve to be happy and it is possible to love your life!
