Our inner dialogue can either be a powerful stepping stone or a major obstacle to reaching our goals. At times, we make negative statements like, "I'm going to mess this up," or “I am not good enough,” and such self-talk can quickly have a negative impact on our mental health. Below are 5 tips to help you tame your inner critic:
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Change the channel. Ruminating is destructive and the best way to stop it is to find an activity that will temporarily distract you from the negative thoughts playing in your head. Go for a walk, call a friend to talk about a different subject, or tackle a project you've been putting off.
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Examine the evidence before you believe your thoughts. For example, if you think that you are going to fail, write down the reasons why you think you will fail as well as why you might not. This can help you look at the situation more rationally, boosting your confidence.
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Consider how bad it would be if your thoughts were true. Often, the worst-case scenario isn't as bad as we fear. Reflecting on this can help you decrease much of the dread and worrisome thoughts that can stand in your way.
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Ask yourself what advice you'd give to a friend. When you're struggling with tough times or doubting your ability to succeed, ask yourself, "What would I say to a friend who had this problem?" Then, offer yourself those kind, wise words.
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Balance self-improvement with self-acceptance. Change your “I am not good enough” narrative to “there's room for improvement”. Accept your weaknesses while committing to improving in the future.
