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Gremlin You, Gremlin Me Part III | Identifying Your Inner Critic

11/29/2013

10 Comments

 

A few months back, we talked about our inner Gremlin, the critic within us, the over reactive-voice that can practically drown us into self-depreciating beliefs, bringing down our confidence and blocking our way to success.

Ring any bells? Sure it does, you sweet soul, you!

Since then, one question kept finding its way into my inbox, in one form or another:  

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How can I make sure that it is my gremlin speaking, and not good old plain reason?

How can I be sure that it is actually my inner critic the one stopping me from moving forward, telling me this isn’t going to work out and not the voice of reason?

And that was my first question too, when I first started spotting that little voice, I didn’t even know directed my every action and that is why I am really excited to be sharing with you, these 5 Tips to help you recognize your inner critic.

Please read responsibly!

Talk To Yourself Like You Would To Someone You Love [tweet this]

Here we go! 
It is your little gremlin talking to you when:

1. The voice, talking to you is full of criticism. It is rude and demeaning, and it really doesn’t sound like you at all. It feels like a negativity party is going on in your head and you seem to be the only one invited! {lucky you!}

2. You feel like you are having no power over this voice, whatsoever. As if what is being told is the one and only truth, you have no right questioning. In most cases if you try to repeat that thought out loud, it doesn’t sound rational, at all. In fact it sounds impractical, untrue and pessimistic. Give it a try. You will be amazed.

3. The voice also sounds a lot like one of your “real life” critics, like your teachers, boss, relatives, friends etc. {Yeah, you are not the only one whose family members are not the most encouraging people on the planet!} Your Gremlin, will often use their words and tone of voice to put you down. Look out for the signs.

4. Your head is bombarded with the same negative message again and again “You are not good enough, tall enough, smart enough” {you name it} almost like playing a cassette on repeat. No explanation will ever be provided. No reasoning behind the thought. Just that nagging, little sentence, again and again. “You are not good enough, tall enough, smart enough”. Sounds familiar?

5. Right after the negativity shower "that's impossible", "you will never make it" the voice totally snaps at you, saying things like “Get over your inferiority syndrome girl”, “you really need to put your sh*t together”, or even worse “Take a look around you, everyone else is so confident and successful, where do you think you are going with that self defeating attitude?” Ha! Crazy, right?
In a nutshell, your Gremlin, uses a tone of voice you would never use to address a friend or someone you care about, it makes great big bold declarations without any reasoning, sounds like your worst real life critic, says the same things over and over again and makes you feel inferior, whenever you are thinking of making a change in your life.

Do not fall the trap. Beat your inner critic to submission, with the tips I gave youin this article and live your life on your own terms, not your Gremlin’s.

Thank you so much for reading and as always, I would love, LOVE, to hear from you.
Do you have a favorite trick you use to identify your inner critic? 
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About Me

Hi, I'm Nichole, and I am a Life Change Architect and a Motivational Speaker, Coaching, Writing and Running Workshops about Personal Growth and Positive Change. 

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10 Comments
Alie
12/4/2013 01:37:24 am

I'm afraid I'm letting mine get the best of me, sometimes. What I have found helpful is your second tip. When I recite the words out loud, those thoughts seem to be totally irrelevant and then some sort of mind shift happens and things fall into place again.

Reply
nichole link
10/29/2014 02:13:24 pm

That's great, Alie. The gremlin thoughts in our head may sound odd when we repeat it out loud. It shows that the thought is irrational and shouldn't be taken to heart. I'm glad the second tip has helped you let go of those icky thoughts.

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Deborah
12/6/2013 06:03:33 pm

I just read your post Nichole and I suddenly became aware of how much time and mental energy I spend daily criticising myself.

Honest to God I thought that was reason talking or that's who I hoped it was.

Thank you for sharing this, kind of made my day.

Reply
nichole link
10/29/2014 02:15:15 pm

That's wonderful, Deborah! We are all guilty of falling into the trap of our inner critic. However, it's never too late to identify these gremlins and change the way we talk to ourselves.

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Heather
1/15/2014 05:27:13 am

I read all of your posts and just wanted to say that I love reading everything you write. I am always looking forward to your next post.

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nichole link
10/29/2014 02:16:03 pm

Thank you Heather!

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Danielle
1/15/2014 05:32:28 am

I have never thought of calling it the gremlin. This is why I love reading your posts. You are so smart and clever!

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nichole link
10/29/2014 02:18:19 pm

Thank you Danielle!

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Ruth
1/20/2014 04:09:28 am

I know some individuals (who shall remain unnamed), who have fallen into this ditch in the past. (I've not had too much trouble with it personally.) Beating yourself up never has done anyone any good. What does your BEST friend say about you? Is it good and TRUE? If so, then believe it, and in yourself.

Reply
nichole link
10/29/2014 02:20:25 pm

It's great that you have not had too much trouble with your inner critic, Ruth. Sometimes our inner critic like to compare ourselves with others. However, we are all amazing individuals, with different gifts and talents.

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