There is a voice inside your head that tells you when you do something wrong. It acts as a filter of sorts and is needed to help you survive. It alerts you when you are running late, and tells you to get to work and stop slacking off. But, sometimes it can be too harsh for your wellbeing.

When this happens, it’s time to fight your inner critic. You need to take it down a notch or two. You don’t want to silence that critic completely, but you do want to teach it some balance. After all, you can’t be wrong 100% of the time.

Why do you have this inner voice that can be overly critical? It is a protection mechanism to help guide you through your journey in life. Sometimes it shouts at you to let you know you are in danger. Other times, it can let you know what you should say or not say in social situations.

This inner critic has also lived a lifetime of negativity. It sees you watching the news or listens in on conversations you have with others. This constant barrage of negativity has helped it build into the cynic that it currently is.

Your inner critic also has your parents and childhood teachers on its side. After all, you spent your entire childhood listening to these authorities telling you what you are not allowed to do. The inner critic scooped up that information. And it was reinforced for years.

It’s time to temper that inner critic. It has gone on for too long with unchecked power. It won’t be easy since it has had control of you all your life. But, you can take some steps to curb its impact.

You need to start using positive affirmations. Do this consistently, preferably on a daily basis. But, you can get away with weekly if that’s all the time you have. Be prepared for resistance from your inner critic. Your inner critic may not have been talked back to for years. It usually has the run of things so be aware of that.

You need to start paying attention to the messages the inner critic is giving you. It may be worth it to jot them down on a piece of paper. Evaluate those messages frequently and decide if it is giving you the right advice. You will find that often it isn’t. When you make this discovery, it’s time for you to make some changes.