I have found over the years that no one in the world is more critical of me than me. It always seems that internally we are judging and talking to ourselves more harshly than the feedback we get from others. My inner critic often demands perfection, which would cause me to edit, re-do, and doubt my original efforts. Even though I always get tons of positive feedback from others, my inner critic can pick anything that I do apart in seconds.

Are you your own worst critic?

What makes us tear our own selves down with internal criticism?

One of the reasons is poor self-image. If we do not see ourselves as worth praise or encouragement then the inner critic will take over. Negative self-talk and lack of positive self-esteem fuels our internal critic opening up opportunities for self-doubt to creep in.

After all, isn’t that, what our inner critic really is? Isn’t it all of our self-doubt and insecurities?

There is good news for those of us that fall victim to our own harsh criticism. Through changing our internal dialogue to positive self-talk and by examining how we view ourselves. Affirmations are a great way to improve your self-esteem and to help change your own internal dialogue, especially if it is filled with criticism.

Another major step is learning how to just give yourself a break! No one is perfect. If that is what your inner critic is demanding, is not realistic. Perfection is an abstract ideal that is not real.

Focus on the positives things about you and that are in your life. Use these positives as a counter measure against negative self-talk and inner criticism.

I still struggle with my inner critic at times, but as I apply better self-care, giving myself a break, and affirmations; I find that I am able to keep that annoying critic at bay letting my inner self receive encouragement and praise.

© Copyright 2006 Tonya Ramsey