Instructions:

We all have an Inner Critic, this voice inside us that criticizes what we do and can at times be our strictest judge. The Inner Critic can be a cause for burnout and low self-esteem, as well as for feelings of shame and failure. But it’s not invincible! Here’s how you can combat it:

• Think of a person you truly, really, deeply dislike! Someone you don’t appreciate at all, and whose advice you wouldn’t follow under any circumstances! It can be literally anyone that fits this description, but for the purpose of this exercise, try not to think of someone from your real life. Instead, think of a celebrity, a politician, or even a fictional character!
• Next time your Inner Critic has something to say, envision the words said not through your own inner voice, but through the voice of the person you chose at step 1!
• Chances are, when you envision being criticized by someone you really dislike, you will have a much easier time replying appropriately and defending yourself!
• If you feel creative, you can write down the dialogues between yourself and the Disliked Inner Critic, or even turn them into a theatrical play, a script, or a comic!

Advice:

Duration is 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the way it is used

This tool is more effective if used on a steady basis. Try to implement it every time you feel your inner critic voice is starting to have something to say!

Extra:

Interested in learning more about the inner critic and its relationship to burnout and low self-esteem? Here are some useful resources:

• Is Your Inner Critic Undermining Your Self-Confidence?
• When It Feels Like Nothing Is Good Enough: How to Manage the Inner Critic
• The 7 Types of Inner Critic