I’m going to put it out there, your inner critic is effed up! Mine, yours, everybody’s! We often hold ourselves back because we think that we’re not worthy of great things. Ever thought that you were too old to try something or that you were going to fail at something so never even bothered to try it? Sadly, I know that we can all relate to this, but it’s wrong. Down right wrong. We need to shift our mindset and believe in ourselves a bit more.
Sure, there are plenty of times when our inner critic is trying to protect us from harm and in some instances can be motivational. At the best of times, it can serve us a big old dose of reality when we’re not thinking straight. However, excessive self-criticism can be damaging because it can lead us to focus on our imperfections instead on how we can better ourselves in a positive way.
Far too often our inner critic puts limitations on our abilities and we end up losing out. Unless there are some health or physical limitations, you’re never too old to try something new – in my opinion, you’re as young as the man you feel! Similarly, everyone has the right to experience greatness and should pursue it even if they think they’re not worthy because actually, they are.
Change and leaving your comfort zone can be a scary thing to deal with and I touched on how to cope with it here. It’s a natural process for our inner critics to become protective and put negative thoughts in our heads, telling us why we shouldn’t try something new and exciting. In a weird way, I think that it’s part of our defense mechanism to ward off change so that everything remains the same. Constantly listening to these negative thoughts means that you miss out on possibly the best experiences of your life. You’re not giving yourself the permission to grow, become a better version of yourself or be truly happy.
Believing in yourself is a major act of kindness and it can only lead to wonderful things. By stretching yourself, giving yourself the space to experience new opportunities you are setting yourself up for a happier and healthier life. Everyone thinks about living out their dreams not realising it’s their own self-depreciation that has stopped them pursuing their deepest desires. I know it may sound like a cliché, but ‘the only thing standing in your way is you‘ – and it couldn’t speak any more truth.
I don’t believe in myself enough but I try not to let it hold me back doing things I want to do x
I think that’s great that you don’t hold yourself back. We can miss out on so much that way!
I used to criticise myself a lot. I used to think that I was too ugly, too boring etc.
I’m now trying to change my mindset as I realised I can’t put myself down all the time.
Really happy to read that you’re working on changing your mindset Izabela.
I am definitely my own toughest critic. I often spread myself way too thin and then get down on myself when something falls through cracks. I’m working on NOT spreading myself too thing, but more importantly prioritizing what’s important and handling the rest when I can.
xo,
Roxy
I think we are all so hard on ourselves Roxy. We all need to give ourselves a break!
This is a great post. I am my worst critic and very hard on myself. To old to do something? Yes, I often thought I was. I am finally going back to college and got over that struggle. So well put and thank you for reminding us we can realise our dreams.
Good for you Wendy! You;re never too old to learn something new and improve yourself.
I am quite a critic, I try not to let it hold me back but if I am honest sometimes I do. I wish I had as much faith in myself as my husband does!
It’s lovely that you have a lovely supportive husband.
My inner critic is always there because I am my own worst critic and will criticize anything I do because I never think that I am good enough.
Sadly, you’re not alone on this one Ana.
Positive Criticism helps one to progress. But, criticizing always may be demotivating many a time. So, having faith on oneself helps an individual to progress and be happy.
For sure, constructive criticism can be a wonderful thing. It’s the constant negative depreciation that can cause issues.
I constantly think everyone thinks I’m an idiot – especially at work. I never trust myself that I’m doing a good job, though there’s nothing been said to suggest otherwise. I don’t know, I think I worry too much! Being an adult is hardwork!
It sure is hard work! I’m pretty confident that your more than competent at your job Anna and you’re not an idiot.