Calm Your Inner Critic

Shift into Neutral

Small shifts make a big difference. The difference comes from practicing as often as possible what works for you. Maggie discovered this while traveling between conferences and countries in Europe on a recent 3-week business trip. Maybe not speaking the local languages left her more tuned into the voice of her loud inner critic. "You shouldn't have..." "What makes you think you can...?"  "Why didn't you do that...?" 

Return to the Present Moment

Instead of just reacting to the anxiety expressed by her loud inner critic, Maggie shifted into neutral with a simple mantra. "I'm exactly where I need to be." Each time her inner critic assailed her - which was often, she responded by saying this mantra to herself. The effect of this daily practice was significant. 

• Her mantra completely validated where she was. Since she frequently was traveling from one conference or country to another, this validation grounded and centered her.
• It also reminded her that she had everything she needed - in that moment. So there was no cause for alarm.
• It was calming - quieting her inner critic. Free of worry, Maggie dealt more effectively with her valid concerns and made better decisions.

Self Doubt Is Not an Option

What daily mantra can you practice to calm your inner critic, be more present, and feel balanced?