It’s time to give that little voice telling you you’re not good enough the boot. Silencing your inner critic can shift your mindset and that nagging voice and transform how you see yourself. Start now by adopting these habits.
1. Give Your Inner Critic a Name
Yes, you read that right. By naming that negative voice in your head, you can distance yourself from it. Call it “Debbie Downer” or “Negative Ned”—whatever works. Naming it turns your inner critic into something separate from who you are. This shift helps you realize that those nasty thoughts aren’t you; they’re just noise.
2. Talk Back—Literally
Don’t just let your inner critic have the final word. Start talking back to it out loud if you have to. If it says, “You’re going to fail,” respond with, “Thanks for your input, but I’ve got this.” The act of verbally responding creates a mental pause that breaks the automatic loop of negativity.
3. Keep a ‘Real Talk’ Journal
Instead of just writing down your thoughts, try writing as if you’re conversing with your inner critic. Let it say what it wants, then respond as your wiser, stronger self. This back-and-forth journaling lets you engage with those negative thoughts, question them, and ultimately dismantle them.
4. Flip the Script: Assume Everything Will Go Right
Your inner critic loves to play the worst-case scenario. So, flip the script. Instead of, “I’ll probably mess this up,” try, “What if this goes exactly as planned?” It might feel weird at first, but imagining success trains your brain to expect good things instead of always bracing for disaster.
5. Celebrate What You Would Admire in Others
We’re often our harshest critics but would easily admire the same traits in someone else. Consider what you’d applaud if a friend did it—overcoming a challenge or simply showing up—and give yourself that same credit. The more you practice this, the less room there is for your inner critic to thrive.
6. Turn “Failures” Into Case Studies
When things don’t go perfectly, instead of beating yourself up, turn it into a mini case study. What went wrong? What would you do differently next time? This mindset turns failures into learning opportunities; your inner critic can’t argue with facts.
7. Treat Yourself Like a VIP
No, this isn’t about indulging in fancy spa days (though that’s nice too). It’s about treating yourself with the same respect and care you’d give someone important to you. Would you tell your best friend she’s a failure because of one mistake? No. So why do it to yourself? Start valuing yourself like you’re worth it—because you are.
8. Set Tiny Milestones
Your inner critic thrives on overwhelming you with impossibly high standards. Fight back by setting the smallest possible goals—so simple that your critic doesn’t even have the energy to argue. Want to write a book? Start with just one sentence. These micro-wins start stacking up, building momentum your inner critic can’t stop.
9. Get Comfortable with “Good Enough”
Perfectionism feeds your inner critic like nothing else. The secret? Learn to embrace “good enough.” Maybe your presentation wasn’t flawless, but did the job get done? Probably. Accepting that sometimes “good enough” is truly enough can free you from the pressure of always being perfect.
10. Flip Negative Thoughts Like a Coin
When a negative thought pops up, picture flipping it like a coin. If you think, “I’m not good at this,” flip it to the opposite: “I’m learning and improving every day.” This mental exercise forces you to see the other side and gradually weakens the hold those negative thoughts have.
11. Revisit Old Victories
Go back to times when you crushed it—whether nailing a big project, navigating a challenging situation, or even a personal achievement like learning a new skill. Revisiting these moments reminds you that you’ve already been through tough times and come out stronger. It’s proof your inner critic is lying when it says you can’t do it.
12. Catch Your Inner Critic Off Guard
Your inner critic loves predictability, but you can shake things up. When it starts with negativity, catch it off guard with something unexpected. Try laughter or absurdity: “Oh, now I’m bad at making toast, too? Sure, okay.” This tactic deflates the seriousness of those critical thoughts.
13. Practice “The 10-Year Rule”
When your inner critic gets loud about something that seems huge, ask yourself: “Will this matter in 10 years?” If the answer is no, then it probably doesn’t deserve the energy you’re giving. This zoomed-out perspective can help put things in context and lessen the power of immediate doubts.
14. Swap Comparison for Inspiration
Instead of comparing yourself to others in a way that fuels your critic (“She’s so much more successful than me”), turn comparison into inspiration (“Wow, she’s doing great—what can I learn from her?”). This subtle shift keeps you focused on growth rather than feeling behind.
15. Build a Positive Soundtrack
Yes, we’re talking about music. Sometimes, the fastest way to drown out your inner critic is with actual noise—good noise. Create a playlist of songs that make you feel empowered, confident, and like you can take on the world. Play it whenever your inner critic tries to take the stage.
16. Reclaim Your “Flaws”
What your inner critic calls a flaw might be one of your greatest strengths. Are you too sensitive? Or are you deeply empathetic? Are you too quiet? Or are you thoughtful and introspective? Start to reclaim and redefine the things your critic picks at—they might be the qualities that make you stand out.