If my internal critic were a person, I don't think it would be a mean or cruel person. I imagine it as someone who worries far too much. It would probably be the person who always thinks about everything that could possibly go wrong before I even begin.
If my internal critic had a favorite phrase, it would probably be, “What if something goes wrong?”And sometimes it simply whispers, “Maybe you should just give up.”
The strange thing about the internal critic is that it doesn’t always appear when things are going badly. In fact, I often notice it most when I am trying something new, taking a risk, or stepping outside my comfort zone. The moment I decide to believe in myself, it seems to wake up. It would immediately start listing all the possible problems. What if you fail? What if people judge you? What if you make a mistake? What if you regret it?
If it is a person, it would probably have a very serious personality, always trying to keep me safe and prevent me from getting hurt. In a strange way, I think it always mean well, the problem is that it probably don't understand that sometimes growth requires taking risks and making mistakes.
I imagine it sitting beside me with a worried expression, constantly checking over my shoulder and reminding me to be careful. It would probably carry a huge list of everything I should worry about!
The challenge is learning to appreciate it intention without allowing the fear to control my decisions. I can listen to the warning, consider whether there is something I genuinely need to think about, and then decide for myself whether I want to move forward.
Maybe my internal critic isn't really my enemy. Maybe it's simply a frightened part of me that needs reassurance. My internal critic probably developed because I don't want to fail or experience unnecessary disappointment. It is trying to protect me from uncomfortable feelings. The problem is that sometimes being too cautious can prevent me from experiencing new things, learning from mistakes, and discovering what I am capable of.
And sometimes, instead of arguing with it, I think I can simply say, “I hear you. But I'm going to try anyway.” When it says, “What if something goes wrong?” I can answer, “Then I'll deal with it.”. When it says, “What if you make a mistake?” I can say, “Then I'll learn from it.”And when it says, “Are you sure?” I can remind myself that I don't have to be completely certain to take the next step.
Thanks for checking on my blog and have a wonderful day
Posted Using INLEO
