Welcome,
Unique learners.
Have you ever felt anxious to start your day?
Trouble starting to write that paper?
Study for that exam or just focus at the workplace?
In part 1 we have done two exercises to silence our inner critic.
Keeping an awareness of our thoughts and asking ourselves if we would talk like that to a friend.
I know in my experience that these two exercises need time.
My inner critic will always show up.
Obviously because of its protecting purpose.
However we are not always in critical danger.
So let's get settled and try out some exercises to quiet our inner critic.
Close your eyes if you haven't done so already.
Breathe in through your nose and hold it on the top.
And breathe out through the mouth with a sigh.
Once more,
Breathe in through your nose,
Hold it and breathe out longer than your in breath with a sigh.
How does that feel?
Try to focus on your thoughts,
Try not to give them too much power.
Easier said than done right?
We can do that by examining the evidence.
If you think I'm never going to be able to finish writing that paper,
Examine the evidence.
Now ask yourself,
Is it true?
Try to focus on your breath and feel your body.
Ask yourself again,
Is it absolutely true?
Breathe in and breathe out.
Did you never ever finish anything in your life?
Sometimes it's helpful to write it down.
Draw a line down in the middle of a piece of paper.
One on each side list all the evidence that supports your thought.
On other side write down all the evidence to the contrary.
Looking at evidence on both sides of the argument can help you look at the situation more rationally and less emotionally.
Now let's replace overly critical thoughts with more accurate statements.
Convert an overly pessimistic thought to a more rational and realistic statement.
When you find yourself thinking I never do anything right,
Replace it with a balanced statement like sometimes I do things really well and sometimes I don't.
Each time you find yourself thinking a negative thought,
Respond with a more accurate statement.
Try to focus on your breath and feel your body.
Your inner critic can help you recognize areas where you want to improve.
Overly harsh negative self-talk will cause your performance to soften and reduce the chances that you reach your goals.
Practice taming your inner critic and silencing the negativity so you can coach yourself in a productive and helpful manner.
If this doesn't feel right or you have the thought that it's not working,
That is okay too.
With some practice it will become easier.
So unique learners,
I hope this talk about the inner critic with some exercise was useful and will help you along the way in your path to working more efficiently and get that peace of mind.
Every individual needs their own approach,
Therefore I would like to invite you to think about what works for you and what doesn't.
I always feel your feedback on these talks and would love to read what has worked for you.
Till next time!
And remember,
You are worthy of love,
Including self-love.
Namaste.
