We all have that little voice inside our heads that loves to point out our flaws, question our decisions, and remind us of our past mistakes. Sometimes, that inner critic can become a real downer, making us doubt ourselves and our abilities. But don’t worry, you’re not alone! We’ve all been there. Here are a few things you can tell yourself to quiet that nagging voice and boost your confidence.
1. This is just my inner critic talking, not the truth.
Recognize that your inner critic is not the voice of reason. It’s a part of your brain that’s designed to protect you from potential threats and keep you safe. But sometimes, it can go into overdrive and start focusing on perceived flaws and shortcomings. Remember, your inner critic is not the ultimate authority on your worth or abilities. It’s just a voice, and you have the power to choose whether or not to listen to it.
2. I am capable and worthy of love and respect.
When your inner critic starts to whisper doubts about your abilities or self-worth, counter those thoughts with affirmations of your own, WebMD suggests. Remind yourself of your strengths, accomplishments, and the unique qualities that make you special. Repeat this mantra to yourself until you start to believe it.
3. Everyone makes mistakes, and that’s okay.
Don’t let your inner critic beat you up over past mistakes or perceived failures. Everyone makes mistakes, it’s a natural part of the learning process. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, focus on what you can learn from the experience and how you can use that knowledge to grow and improve. Remember, mistakes are not a reflection of your overall worth or abilities.
4. I am enough, just as I am.
Your inner critic may try to convince you that you need to be perfect in order to be worthy of love, success, or happiness. But that’s simply not true. You are enough, just as you are, with all your imperfections, quirks, and vulnerabilities. Embrace your unique qualities and stop trying to live up to unrealistic expectations. You are worthy of love and happiness, regardless of your perceived flaws.
5. I choose to focus on my strengths and positive qualities.
Instead of dwelling on your perceived weaknesses, shift your focus to your strengths and positive qualities. Make a list of the things you’re good at, the things you enjoy, and the qualities that make you a good friend, partner, or family member. Focus on cultivating and celebrating these positive aspects of yourself, and let go of the negative self-talk that holds you back.
6. I am a work in progress, and that’s okay.
Remember, you are not a finished product. You are constantly evolving, learning, and growing. Don’t beat yourself up if you haven’t reached all your goals or achieved perfection in every area of your life. Embrace the journey of self-improvement and celebrate every small victory along the way. Be patient with yourself and trust that you are moving in the right direction.
7. I am surrounded by people who love and support me.
When your inner critic gets too loud, reach out to your support system. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, therapist, or mentor who can offer encouragement, reassurance, and a fresh perspective. Remember, you are not alone in this. There are people who care about you and believe in you, even when you may not believe in yourself. Lean on them for support and remind yourself that you are loved and valued.
8. I am capable of achieving my goals and dreams.
Don’t let your inner critic convince you that your goals and dreams are out of reach. Believe in yourself and your abilities. Set realistic goals, break them down into smaller steps, and take consistent action towards achieving them. Celebrate your progress along the way and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Remember, you are capable of achieving great things if you believe in yourself and your potential.
9. I am allowed to feel my feelings and process them in a healthy way.
Don’t try to suppress or ignore your emotions when your inner critic is being harsh. Allow yourself to feel the sadness, anger, frustration, or whatever else comes up. It’s okay to not be okay all the time. Acknowledge your feelings, express them in a healthy way (through journaling, talking to a friend, or even a good cry), and then let them go. Remember, emotions are temporary, and they don’t define you.
10. This is just a moment in time, and it will pass.
When your inner critic is in full swing, it can feel like an endless onslaught of negativity. But remember, this is just a moment in time, and it will pass. Feelings come and go, and so do negative thoughts. Take a deep breath, ground yourself in the present moment, and remind yourself that this too shall pass. This moment of self-doubt or criticism does not define your entire life or your worth.
11. I choose to be kind to myself and practice self-compassion.
Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you would offer a friend. When your inner critic starts to attack, imagine what you would say to a loved one who was struggling with similar self-doubt. Would you berate them or offer them words of encouragement and support? Choose to be your own best friend and speak to yourself with love and understanding.
12. I am constantly learning and growing, and I am proud of my progress.
Remember that personal growth is a continuous journey, not a destination. Don’t get discouraged if you haven’t reached all your goals or overcome every challenge yet. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem. Acknowledge the steps you’ve taken, the lessons you’ve learned, and the resilience you’ve shown. Be proud of yourself for showing up and doing your best, even when it’s difficult.
13. I choose to focus on the present moment and let go of past regrets.
Your inner critic loves to bring up past mistakes and regrets, but dwelling on the past won’t change anything, Talkspace points out. Instead, choose to focus on the present moment and the opportunities it holds. Let go of what you can’t control and embrace the power of now. What can you do today to move forward, learn from your experiences, and create a better future for yourself?
14. I am grateful for my challenges, as they help me grow and become stronger.
Challenges and setbacks are an inevitable part of life, but they also offer opportunities for growth and transformation. Embrace the challenges you face as a chance to learn, adapt, and develop new skills. View them as stepping stones on your path to personal growth, rather than roadblocks. Remember, it’s often through our struggles that we discover our true strength and resilience.
15. I choose to believe in myself and my potential.
Ultimately, the most powerful thing you can tell yourself when your inner critic gets too loud is that you believe in yourself. Believe in your abilities, your potential, and your worth. Trust that you have the strength, resilience, and determination to overcome any obstacles that come your way. Believe that you deserve happiness, success, and love. This belief in yourself will be your greatest weapon against the negative self-talk and will empower you to live your life to the fullest.
