The Lies Your Inner Critic Inherited (and How to Silence Them)

"Inner critic healing is about recognising that the harsh voice inside us is not our true self but a learned response to past experiences."  

- Kristin Neff 

Had I paid attention to my inner critic, getting out of bed daily would have been daunting. Thankfully, I developed the skill to silence that critical voice within me, enabling me to move forward and eventually thrive.

Our inner critic often prevents us from reaching our true potential. These critical voices stem from personal experiences, societal pressures, and inherited beliefs. Recognising and countering these inherited lies is the first step in silencing our inner critic and embracing a more confident, self-compassionate life.

Identifying Inherited Lies

Inherited lies are subconsciously absorbed beliefs that originate from individuals who played significant roles in our early lives, such as caregivers, parents, teachers, or siblings. These beliefs, unknowingly adopted, can shape our self-perception and influence our behaviours.

Inherited lies can manifest in various forms, such as negative self-talk, unrealistic expectations, and self-limiting beliefs. Consider your upbringing, cultural influences, and societal norms to uncover these lies. Ask yourself:

• What beliefs about myself have I absorbed from my family or cultural background?

• How have societal expectations shaped my self-perception and goals?

• In what ways might these inherited beliefs hold me back?  

Challenging Inherited Lies

Once you've identified your inner critic's inherited lies, challenge them with rational, evidence-based arguments. This process can involve:

• Assessing the reality of each inherited belief

• Recognising personal growth and accomplishments

• Seeking feedback from trusted friends and mentors

• Practicing self-compassion and positive self-talk

Silencing Your Inner Critic

After identifying and challenging inherited lies, employ strategies to silence your inner critic:

1. Practice Mindfulness: Observe your thoughts without judgment, distinguishing between helpful insights and unproductive criticism.

1. Cultivate Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness, recognizing that setbacks and mistakes are growth opportunities.

1. Establish Healthy Boundaries: Surround yourself with supportive individuals who value your efforts and respect your emotional well-being.

1. Embrace Personal Growth: Engage in new experiences and learn new skills to reinforce a positive self-image.

Recognising and silencing the lies your inner critic inherited is an ongoing process that requires self-awareness, self-compassion, and resilience. With practice, you will learn to expose these limiting beliefs and cultivate a more positive mindset; you can break free from the constraints of the past and build a brighter, more fulfilling future.

Safeguarding our serenity and self-esteem requires us to silence our inner critic, which poses a significant threat to our well-being. Developing self-love starts with overcoming this critical voice within.

 Lots of hugs until next time.

Faith xoxo