When I ask women what most often stops them, slows them down, or leaves them feeling “stuck”, the overwhelming reply is “ME!” Though rarely cited overtly, that is the most common block to moving forward with goals and dreams. It may come out as “I’m not good enough yet“, “I’ll look like a fraud“, or “my goals are so stupid“, what’s really behind it all is our own…
Inner Critic.
We all have that voice inside that wants us to act out of fear, stop what we’re doing (or what we’re even thinking about doing!) and shrink down. AND we all have a voice that wants us to act from our heart, to be brave, and play bigger. So often that brave voice is a quiet whisper. It’s there though and I want to help you tune it in, and turn it up!
This exercise offers us an opportunity to better understand both the Inner Critic and Inner Mentor. With that understanding, we can view the Critic with more compassion and empathy (instead of anger or shame) which makes it much easier to release those thoughts and move beyond them.
When we have a better understanding of our Inner Mentor, we can begin to make choices that are in alignment with that part of us, and every time we do, we strengthen that within us.
Conducting the Interview
You can have this conversation in any way that feels best to you, whether you write, voice record, make a video, or simply talk aloud and take notes later.
Take some time to connect to the energy of your Inner Critic. Imagine what that part of you feels like, looks like, sounds like, etc. When you have that connection, ask this part of you:
- What do you believe?
- What do you care about?
- What do you think of the other?
- What are you afraid of?
- What do you need?
Once you have recorded the responses, offer gratitude for receiving this information and say goodbye to your Inner Critic. Give yourself some time a space after this conversation before connecting with your Inner Encourager and asking them the same questions. You may do this on a different day or by taking a walk or doing some other tasks. Saying goodbye and giving yourself some time and space can help you disconnect from that energy.
Connect with your Inner Mentor in the same way. Imagine what that part of you feels like, looks like, sounds like, etc. When you have that connection, ask the same set of questions.
A Guided Meditation to Support You
I’ve created a meditation that will guide you through this exact practice. You can find many other meditations and any accompanying downloads on my YouTube channel.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Je3VmkNh3o[/embedyt]
Additional Tools & Resources
If you found this exercise insightful, you’ll love our free, private community of Women Rising. By joining us, you’ll immediately gain access to a vast library of workshops, courses, downloads, discussions, and most importantly community, connection, and belonging.
