A New Script

I ended my last post by challenging my readers to observe their "critic within.” What does your critic look like? When does your critic show up? What does your critic do for you? Recognizing “the critic within” is a first step toward “declaring your truth” – speaking into existence the person you’re becoming. This journey is as important on your 90th birthday as it is on your 20th birthday, though it’s a rare 20-something who engages in this degree of self-awakening. If you haven’t already done so, reflect on the questions above (yes, right now). As you reflect on the last question, What does your critic do for you?, make sure that you list both positives and negatives. I guarantee that your inner critic both helps you and hurts you. With your inner critic dissected on a sheet of paper before you, we can move forward. Now that you can clearly see your critic, now that you have brought your critic into conscious awareness, you are at choice to change it. What do you want it to say? What would a more helpful script sound like? Perhaps you want your critic to challenge you without demoralizing you, to help you think critically without being critical of you, or to build your confidence without pulling you into arrogance. Should you choose to accept it, this your assignment for this week: At the beginning of each day, decide how your inner critic can support you without holding you back. Every day, write down an answer to the question, What do I need my inner critic to say to me today?