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Talking to your inner critic, can it be tamed?

quirkywords
Community Champion
Community Champion

Do you have an inner critic ? Have you ever tried to talk to your inner critic. This is what happened when I tried. In my Be yourself thread people asked about how I interviewed my inner critic. So here it is.

This is adapted from a writing exercise to interview your inner critic about one's writing. As my inner critic has an opinion all aspects of my life I decided to broaden the scope of the interview.

Me: I welcome (well I don't really) this opportunity to find out why you always need to have an opinion that is always negative about me and my life.

IC: I thought this was going to be a friendly interchange of ideas but there you go with your anger and hostile remarks. I do not see myself as negative but as helping you, because you do need help.

I am here to help you why can't you see that?

Me: So when I am trying to sleep and you tell me about all my mistakes, embarrassing moments, how does that help me?

IC: I thought while you are in bed you would have time to consider some of your past behaviours. This I feel will only help you to improve.

Me: If you are so helpful why do I feel so worthless, so sad, so ignorant when you are around? Do you really know how low I can feel when you are constantly telling me all my faults?

IC: You make yourself feel that way- I am merely pointing out the truth. It is not my problem that you are so weak.

Me: Maybe this was a bad idea you are never going to listen to me or understand me.

IC: Have you ever thought that maybe you shouldn't listen to me if I upset you so much.

Me How can I ignore you when you are so loud at times.

IC: See this is what I mean you are so weak. You have the power to ignore me, to silence me but all you do is whinge and complain.

Me: I am ending this interview. Enough is enough.

What would you say to your inner critic and what do you want to hear from your inner critic? Maybe you can have a go at interviewing your inner critic.

Quirky


828 Replies 828

You guys seem great at managing this inner critic, i would really appreciate if anyone could have a look at my newer thread, im wondering if you guys could offer some tips for me to try and manage

Guest_1643
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member
hello startingnew, what is ur thread called? thanks

Hi Sleepy, my thread is called 'struggling with anxiety and self doubt over a great opportunity'

Thanks starting new.

Sleepy I was going to ask same question.

Starting is that in anxiety section.

Thanks Quirky, Yeah it was in the Anxiety section but i see youve posted there, thank you ❤️

Starting new
I find that little voice that doubts is there whenever we try anything mew. It says you're making mess of it you're going to fail you gonna mess things up that voice is would I call my inner critic.
instead of cheering me on it is the voice of Doom.
I think the trick is to replace it with a positive voice like Bob the builder yes I can.

Thank you Quirky,

yes i agree, anything new causes this! i think this one in particular is more nerve wracking but im glad to have the opportunity too. i just have to curb the self doubt and the inner critic saying i cant do it

Starting new

i think if you can break down your new opportunity into small parts so it does not overwhelm you.

Find a positive voice to counter your critic.

Thanks Quirky

yes i think breaking it down will be good. might help with the nerves i feel. i am working to try and get better and the weaknesses i think ill encounter so i can try and be better

SN

xox

Starting New

I like your attitude and determination to try hard to chnage. let us know how you go with your new opportunity.