Being An Author: My Inner Critic

What is Your Inner Critic?

The inner critic is a psychological term that refers to a part of your psyche that assesses or denigrates yourself and your work. The inner critic is often characterized as having a loud, booming voice. Or as assertively informing you that you are incorrect or should not have begun. It’s the voice that makes you feel tiny, inadequate, and suffocated.

However, I’ve discovered that it often seems subtle, delicate, and with the appearance of “normal thinking,” making it difficult to distinguish the difference. My self-doubt voice, for example, might sound the same as my joyful and inspired voice. They both sound just like me. The difference is that one is more energetic, expansive, and inspired. The other is suffocating, frightening, and constrained.

It is the random quality of the inner critic that gives it force. It has a way of creeping up on you and getting in your way before you realize it. Authors must be aware of how the inner critic might manifest itself. This provides you an edge since you can anticipate and recognize the critic for what it is and then choose to continue writing nevertheless.

How the Critic Shows Up and What You Can Do

I’ve found that the critic shows up in three different domains: mind, body, and spirit. And there are different ways to diffuse the critic’s power in each domain.

MIND:

The inner critic is a conceptual system that restricts what is possible. It manifests itself when you are stuck and have an issue that you can’t solve when you overthink or examine yourself and your job. It manifests itself when you have critical thoughts. “Who am I to write?” says the author. ” It mumbles. “I’m not sure what I’m doing,” you may think. Recognize this as the critical voice in your head and oppose it by asking yourself, “What other way might I look at this?” ” Your non-critical voice will leap at the chance to answer.

BODY:

My inner critic often manifests itself somatically, as I’ve discovered. When the inner critic hits, you play small by assuming a modest stance. When this happens, my body hunches, I feel cramped, and I involuntarily start taking short, shallow breaths. I literally shrink and turn within.

Take note of any changes in your posture. Then use this awareness to straighten up, plant your feet on the floor, and reconnect to your breath. This removes impediments and enables you to continue typing with ease and confidence. When the critic appears in your body, you can’t get into a writing flow.

SPIRIT:

When you are feeling uncreative and uninspired, your inner critic arises. You don’t have the sensation of words pouring and sparking through you. When this occurs, tell yourself that you are creative, plentiful, and incredibly competent, but the critic keeps you from feeling this right now. Practicing thankfulness is another approach to combat criticism when it appears on this level. Consider the locations in your life where you feel most creative and alive. Maintain a running list, write in your notebook, and remind yourself of your creative spirit.

The Function of the Inner Critic

One issue that often arises is why we have this vital portion of ourselves in the first place. What purpose does it serve? What puts me at rest and allows me to continue writing in the face of my inner critic’s assaults is seeing the inner critic as a tool for self-preservation. Its purpose is to shield us from the dangers of moving outside of our comfort zones and expressing ourselves.

I recognize that my critic is there, doing its job and that I can listen to it, appreciate it, and then go on. Remembering that my inner critic is attempting to protect me helps me to vilify it less. I may develop a different connection with it.

A New Relationship

The more I write, edit, publish, and repeat, the more I recognize my critic for what it is: a part of me along for the trip. You reclaim your power by being more aware of how your inner critic manifests itself for you. You develop internal muscles that allow you to continue writing to quit in the face of demands.

Finally, the critical voice pales in comparison to your creative potential and aliveness in your center. However, you are not the only one who is aware of its existence. Based on your individual experiences, the critic will manifest differently for each of you. The inner critic may seem powerful at the moment, or it may slither in like a snake. Still, by remembering the brilliant, creative, and inspired truth of who you are, you hold your ground, stand in your potential, and write energetically with confidence and heart.

How to Outwrite Your Inner Critic

The inner critic is a universal experience. It’s a natural part of the creative process; the more you understand your inner critic, the more strength you’ll have to confront it, outwit it, and create confidently.