Dear one,

There's a lot of negative out there. Are you bringing it inside your brain too?

Let me tell you, friend, my inner critic loves to remind me: 

"You don't actually know that much about [insert ANY TOPIC]!" 

and "People are going to be really disappointed with you about...forgetting to send an email, sending THIS newsletter late this week, not responding to a text sooner, not posting to Linkedin..."

and "You're not doing enough to dismantle white supremacy!" (this one is a constant)

My inner critic has entered the chat.

What does your inner critic say to you? Write it down.

Here's the thing  –

A lot of coaches talk about this voice as a gremlin - naughty, mischievous, and often mean-spirited. 

That's not how I see it. 

Instead, I understand this critical voice as a protector who most likely has a shared goal with "capital S SELF" you.

If you really think about it, what is the underlying goal of the messages your inner critic says?

"You don't actually know that much about [insert ANY TOPIC]!"  ➡️

Protection translation: "I don't want to be judged by others."

"People are going to be really disappointed with you"  ➡️

Protection translation: "I don't want to let people down."

"You're not doing enough to dismantle white supremacy!"  ➡️

Protection translation: "I don't want to cause harm."

Take a moment and do the same practice for your thoughts. What is the underlying goal for your inner critic voice?

Great. 

Now - thank your inner critic for having such good intentions for you.

If you could adjust the message from your inner critic to feel more supportive while helping you meet your shared goal, what would you want to hear instead?

Ask your inner critic to better support you towards their same goal by instead using this new language.

I imagine this as inviting my inner critic to transform into an assertive-but-fiercely-loving-auntie.

Let her know what you need and you can start working together instead of fearing her.

Bibbidi bobbidi boo!

Julia

P.S. Enjoy some magic from Whitney