Silence Your Inner Critic

The Secret to Self-Acceptance and Growth

Written by Life Coach and RTT Practitioner Valina Stavropoulou

We all have that voice inside our heads. You know which one! The inner critic that whispers or sometimes shouts that we’re not good enough, smart enough, or worthy enough. It’s the voice that second-guesses our decisions, keeps us stuck in self-doubt and prevents us from fully stepping into our power.

But what if we could change our relationship with that voice?

What if we could transform our inner critic from an enemy into an ally?

What Is the Inner Critic and Why Does It Hold You Back?

The inner critic is that nagging voice that constantly finds fault in what we do. It tells us we aren’t enough, whether that’s beautiful enough, talented enough, or successful enough. It thrives on comparison, perfectionism, and fear. The worst part is that most of us don’t even realise how much control it has over our thoughts, emotions, behaviour and actions.
But where does this voice come from?

For many, it originates in childhood experiences, messages we absorbed from our parents, teachers, peers, or society. Perhaps you had a sibling who was constantly praised while you felt overlooked. Or maybe a teacher once told you that you weren’t as talented as your classmates.

Over time, these external judgments become internalised, shaping the way we see ourselves.

How the Inner Critic Sabotages Confidence and Success

When we allow the inner critic to dictate our thoughts, we limit ourselves in profound ways.

It manifests as:

Perfectionism: The belief that unless something is flawless, it isn’t worth doing.
Imposter Syndrome: The fear that we’ll be exposed as a fraud, no matter how much we accomplish.
People-Pleasing: Prioritising others’ approval over our own happiness and well-being.
Inaction and Procrastination: Avoiding opportunities due to our fear of failure.
These patterns keep us from taking risks, pursuing our passions and fully embracing who we are. But the good news is that we can break free from this cycle.

Six Proven Strategies to Overcome Self-Doubt and Reclaim Your Power

The first step in overcoming the inner critic is awareness. Pay attention to the thoughts running through your mind.  When does your critical voice show up the most? What does it say? Once you recognise it, try these powerful techniques to shift the narrative:

1. Identify and Personify Your Inner Critic – Name It to Tame It

Giving your inner critic a name and personality can help you separate it from your true self and your authentic voice. Does your inner critic take the form of a strict professor, a disapproving relative or an unkind bully?

To take this a step further, try sketching it out. What does it look like? Is it big and scary or small and annoying? Does it have features like a frown or a pointing finger?

By personifying and visualising it, you gain distance and perspective, making it easier to challenge its authority. A fantastic resource on this topic is "Taming Your Gremlin" by Rick Carson, which offers powerful insights on how to recognise and disempower your inner critic effectively.

2. Challenge Negative Self-Talk – Reframe Limiting Beliefs

Would you say the things your inner critic says to someone you truly love? If not, why are you saying all this stuff to yourself?

When you catch yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough,” challenge it by asking:

“Is that really true? What evidence do I have to support or challenge this belief?”

3. Reprogram Your Mindset – Turn Self-Doubt into Self-Empowerment

Instead of fighting against your inner critic, acknowledge it and reframe its messages.

When it says, "I’m not good enough," you can add: "But I am learning and improving every, single day."

If it tells you, "I can’t do this," shift it to: "I can’t do this yet, because I’m still figuring it out." Or, instead of "I’ll never succeed," you can say: "I haven’t succeeded yet, but I’m getting closer with every step. "

With the power of hypnotherapy (RTT) and coaching, we do just that. It is not only that we manage to turn negative self-talk into positive, but we also reprogram the deep-seated beliefs behind it and shift the subconscious patterns that hold us back. We replace fear and hesitation with confidence, resilience, and self-belief.

4. Cultivate Self-Compassion – Speak to Yourself with Kindness

We often extend kindness to others but struggle to offer the same grace to ourselves. If you wouldn’t harshly criticise a friend for making a mistake, why do it to yourself?

Start speaking to yourself with the same kindness, patience, and encouragement you would offer to someone you love.

5. Harness the Power of Visualization and Affirmations – Rewire for Confidence

Pause, take a deep breath and close your eyes if you like. Picture yourself overcoming challenges, stepping into your power, and achieving your goals. Imagine the confidence, joy, and freedom that come when you believe in yourself.

Now I invite you to repeat these affirmations with intention. Otherwise feel free to create your own to find what truly resonates with you.

“I am worthy and capable. I trust myself to make the right decisions. I am more than enough".

By practicing these daily, you rewire your brain to believe in your own worth and limitless potential.

6. Take Bold Action

Sometimes, the best way to silence the inner critic is to prove it wrong.

"Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway" as Susan Jeffers beautifully explains in her book (of the same name). Whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, launching a project, or setting a boundary, action weakens the critic’s power over time.

The Power of Unbecoming: Embracing Your True, Confident Self

Silencing the inner critic is not about eliminating self-doubt entirely, it’s about shifting how we respond to it. It’s about unbecoming; shedding the limiting beliefs, fears and expectations that no longer serve us and stepping into our most authentic, empowered selves.

So, the next time your inner critic shows up, listen with curiosity, acknowledge it, and then choose a different narrative.

Every time you challenge that voice; you reclaim a piece of your power!

You can visit Valina's profile or her website for more information: www.mindhierarchy.com

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