We all have an inner voice in the backs of our minds that surfaces whenever we’re trying out something new, heading out to an interview, facing struggles, etc. There’s a voice in our head that is ready to fill us with self-doubt, which fogs our perspective and prevents us from progressing in life. Unless we learn to overcome our critical inner voice, it will continue to intervene and hinder self-development.
What is our inner voice and why does it have so much power?
An overly critical inner voice isn’t a figment of your imagination. It is actually a pattern of self-destructive thoughts that are embedded into our minds by our self-doubts, bad experiences and other people’s negative attitudes towards us. If the critical inner voice isn’t combated, it becomes our worst enemy. We are withdrawn, we drown ourselves in worries and self-doubt, we have a diminished sense of self and retreat from goal-driven activities.
Conquering our critical inner voice
Overcoming a critical inner voice that is so well-integrated into our brain isn’t easy. It requires actively reprogramming our minds to break the sequence of destructive thoughts and severe self-criticism in order to shift our mindset and adopt a more positive outlook.
Step 1: Write it all down
Our inner voice is constantly spewing venom. All that negativity builds up in our heads and eventually we sort of lose grip on reality. Are things really that bad or is it all up my head? This is what you have to figure out.
Write down everything your inner voice is telling you. Use “you” instead of “I”. For example, “you are not good enough”, “you won’t make it”, etc. Don’t be overwhelmed, just write. Remind yourself that this is just the buildup of negativity in your head – it doesn’t make it true!
Step 2: Get real
This is your chance to refute everything your inner voice says. Use “I” now and write down honest statements such as “yes, I’m not good at this but I can get better by….”The idea is to provide solutions to all the problems your inner voice listed. Be self-assured as you write down your new statements. They should reinforce faith in your abilities and lessen feelings of self-doubt.
Step 3: Remind yourself of all the good in you
When you’re inner voice is chipping away your self-esteem; take action to rebuild it. Remind yourself of all your strengths. Loved ones will tell you of all that you’re capable of but you won’t really accept it until you say it to yourself. Write it all down and say it out loud. Bring it into your consciousness!
Whatever happens, do not succumb to your inner voice. Fight it, defeat it and silence it! There is great satisfaction in proving it wrong!
If you are suffering from depression and struggling to get back up on your feet, contact depression therapist David Myers. David Myers has helped numerous clients overcome their inner demons over the course of many years. He provides psychotherapy and relationship counselling to people with unresolved issues that impact their overall well-being.
Book an appointment David Myers by calling (205) 251-8808 or send an email at info@davidmyersphd.com and visit him in his office in Birmingham, Alabama.