Why You Should Get to Know Your Inner Critic
Hey there, Creatives!
Let’s talk about that voice in your head. You know the one – that nagging, persistent critic that pops up right when you’re about to try something new or share your work. “Who do you think you are?” “This is garbage.” “Everyone will laugh at you.” Sound familiar?
That’s your inner critic, and if you’re anything like the creatives I’ve worked with, it’s probably keeping you stuck in a place that feels pretty damn uncomfortable.
Here’s the thing – most advice tells you to ignore that voice or fight against it. But what if I told you getting to know your inner critic might actually be the key to unlocking your creative potential? Stick with me here.
First off, your inner critic didn’t just appear out of nowhere. That voice has been developing since you were a kid. Maybe it started when your second-grade teacher frowned at your purple trees. Perhaps it grew louder when your parents suggested a “more practical” career path. Or maybe it took shape when you scrolled through social media and saw people doing what you want to do, but seemingly doing it better.
For us creative types, this critic has special ammunition. It knows exactly where to hit to hurt the most because creativity isn’t just what we do – it’s who we are. When someone criticizes our spreadsheet skills, we might shrug. When someone criticizes our art? That cuts deep.
Your critic might say things like:
– “You’re just wasting time.”
– “You’ll never be as good as [insert admired creator].”
– “Who are you kidding? You’re not a real artist/writer/musician.”
– “Why even bother? No one cares about this stuff anyway.”
Sound harsh? That’s because it is. But here’s the kicker – this voice isn’t your enemy. It’s a misguided protector.
When that voice gets too loud, you have two typical reactions: either you push through with gritted teeth (exhausting) or you avoid creating altogether (soul-crushing). Neither works long-term.
The costs of playing this game are steep:
- Creative paralysis becomes your normal state. You have ideas, but they stay locked in your head because execution feels too risky. You’ve got notebooks full of concepts and folders full of unfinished drafts.
- You start projects with enthusiasm but abandon them midway. The critic gets louder as you progress, and eventually, you convince yourself you’ve “lost interest” – when really, you’re just scared.
- You play it safe with your art. You stick to what you know works, what won’t invite criticism. Your creative edges – the weird, wild stuff that makes your work uniquely yours – get filed down until everything feels smooth but boring.
- And the comparison trap? It becomes a full-time residence. You measure every brushstroke, every sentence, every note against what others are doing. Spoiler alert: in that game, you always lose.
I’ve watched talented people spend decades in this loop.
Trust me, life’s too short for that nonsense.
Why— Befriending Your Inner Critic Changes Everything
Here’s where the magic happens. The more you push away your inner critic, the stronger it gets. It’s like trying to hold a beach ball underwater – exhausting and ultimately futile.
But when you turn toward that voice with curiosity instead of fear? Everything shifts.
Acknowledgment actually reduces its power. When you say, “I hear you, inner critic,” something weird happens: the volume turns down. Not because you’re giving in, but because you’re removing the resistance that feeds it.
Here’s the transformation I’ve seen again and again with my clients: once acknowledged, criticism can become constructive feedback. That voice that says “This is terrible” can evolve into “This section needs work.” That’s useful information!
Your critic can become a tool for growth rather than a hindrance. It might be pointing out areas where you genuinely need more practice or highlighting places where you’re playing too safe. The problem was never the feedback itself – it was the devastating, absolute way it was delivered.
Befriend Your Inner Critic…
So how do you actually do this? Let’s get practical.