How to Silence Your Inner Critic

How to Silence Your Inner Critic and Start Your Week Strong

Monday morning rolls around, and chances are, those nagging voices have already started...

❌ “You're such an idiot.”
❌ “Why can't you just be like them?”
❌ “You're rubbish.”

Sound familiar? You’re not alone—welcome to your inner critic!

Understanding Your Inner Critic

We all have an inner critic—a built-in survival mechanism designed to protect us. However, instead of keeping us safe, it often holds us back. We impulsively react to these negative thoughts, mistaking them for our own voice, and end up feeling powerless.

Left unchecked, your inner critic can sabotage your confidence and stop you from reaching your full potential. As Suzy Kassem wisely says, “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.”

But here’s the good news: You can take back control. Thanks to neuroplasticity, your brain can literally rewire itself, meaning you have the power to change how you respond to your inner critic.

Five Steps to Rewire Your Mindset

1. Call It Out with Compassion

The first step is awareness. Begin to notice when your inner critic shows up and acknowledge it with kindness. That voice isn’t reality—it’s fear disguised as logic. Give it a name and respond with compassion. Try something like, “Thanks, Meddling Max, I know you mean well, but I’ve got this.”

2. Reframe the Narrative

Words shape your reality. Instead of saying, “I’m not good enough,” try, “I’m improving every day.” Reframing your self-talk helps shift your mindset from limitation to possibility. The more you practice, the more empowering your internal dialogue becomes.

3. Keep a Gratitude Journal

A practice that has greatly benefited my myself and my clients is maintaining a gratitude journal. When negative thoughts arise, pause and write down x3 things you are grateful for. This simple habit shifts perspective.

4. Listen to What Your Inner Critic Might Be Telling You

I’d also suggest that your inner voice might be signaling something important—perhaps an experience or pattern that needs attention and transformation. If we’re struggling to quieten that voice ourselves, we may need further support from a coach and/or a therapist to unpack it and get to the bottom of it.

5. Take Action, Even if You Don’t Feel Ready

Confidence doesn’t come before action—it comes from action. The more you step outside your comfort zone, the quieter your inner critic becomes. Even small, consistent steps can make a massive difference over time. Keep challenging and reframing those negative thoughts, and you’ll see real progress.

Start Your Week on a Positive Note

Your inner critic doesn’t have to run the show. By recognising its presence, reframing its messages, and taking intentional action, you can shift your mindset and build confidence.