Shutting up that inner critic can be hard. You’ve learned some great strategies so far on our journey together. However, these tactics are all things you must do on your own. Sometimes, pushing past your negative self-talk requires some help. Seeking assistance from an outside source doesn’t make you weak. In fact, you’ll probably find it strengthens you and possibly even some of your relationships, too.
We don’t always see ourselves as others see us. It’s particularly easy to overlook our positive qualities. When your inner critic is bombarding you with negative messages, it may take an outside perspective to help you see the reality of a situation. You might not be able to get the push you need on your own. There’s no shame in asking for help.
There are lots of ways to look outside yourself when it comes to shutting down your inner critic. Take a look below for some strategies. It’s important to understand that it’s okay to ask for help in defusing your inner naysayer.
Consult a Trusted Friend
Reach out to friends or even family that you trust. Those who know you best can offer you honest feedback when you’re feeling unsure about things. Ask someone who will be honest, yet sensitive, in their approach. This way, you’ll be sure they’re not just trying to be nice. These types of folks can provide you with a realistic view of you and your situation, helping you to make an informed decision about your next steps.
Seek Therapy
Your inner critic has probably been around your whole life. There are a number of complex reasons for our negative self-talk. Sometimes working through these issues requires the help of a professional. Seeking therapy is a great way to start to see for yourself what is real and what has been falsely ingrained throughout your life. When you begin to work through these deep-seated issues, you start to heal and to see your own value.
Do Some Reading
If you truly aren’t ready to talk to others about your self-criticism, it’s okay. A good place to start is by researching the issues you’re facing. For example, if you’re regularly telling yourself that you can’t achieve great things or that you’re not enough, do some research on self-confidence. Read books and blog posts that can show you how to gain more of it. If your internal messages tell you it’s not safe to trust others, read up on the topic of building trust. You get the idea. Take note of any patterns coming from your inner naysayer and then search for resources to help you defeat them.
These tips should help you find help overcoming your inner critic. Sometimes it’s not possible to work through these negative messages on your own. It’s perfectly acceptable to look for help.
