Skip to main content

The Inner Critic: A Voice, Not a Truth

The inner critic is relentless. It doesn’t care how many successes you’ve had or how far you’ve come. Its job isn’t to inspire; it’s to question, doubt, and second-guess.

But here’s the thing: the inner critic isn’t real.

Sure, it sounds real. It’s loud, persistent, and oddly convincing. But it’s not truth—it’s just noise. And the best way to handle noise is to decide what you’ll tune into and what you’ll turn off.

Why the Critic Exists

The inner critic is rooted in an outdated operating system. Its code was written in the moments you failed, when others doubted you, or when society whispered that safety is better than risk.

It’s not your enemy; it’s a misguided protector. It fears the unknown and wants to keep you safe. But here’s the irony: staying safe doesn’t always mean staying still.

Turning Down the Volume

You don’t need to fight the inner critic. Fighting it gives it power. Instead, acknowledge its presence, thank it for trying to protect you, and then choose differently.

What if, instead of shouting it down, you whispered back:

  • “I hear you, but I’m going forward anyway.”
  • “Thanks for the warning, but I’ve got this.”
  • “I know this is new, but that’s the point.”

This isn’t about silencing the critic forever. It’s about managing the volume so it no longer drowns out your ambition.

Questions That Change the Game

When the inner critic whispers, it usually comes with questions like:

  • “What if you fail?”
  • “What will people think?”
  • “Are you sure you’re ready?”

What if you asked better questions in return?

  • “What if I succeed?”
  • “What do I want people to think?”
  • “How can I get ready right now?”

Better questions lead to better answers. And better answers drown out the doubt.

The Critic as a Compass

Here’s a wild thought: What if your inner critic isn’t a hurdle, but a compass?

When the voice grows loud, it’s often because you’re on the verge of something that matters. The critic shows up when you’re about to take a risk, step into uncertainty, or challenge the status quo.

Instead of retreating, lean in. The critic’s discomfort is often the signpost that you’re moving in the right direction.

Your Turn

The inner critic is part of the human condition, but it doesn’t have to define your story. You get to decide who’s in charge of the conversation in your head.

Today, when the voice shows up, try this:

  1. Recognize it for what it is—a voice, not a truth.
  2. Ask it a better question.
  3. Use its presence as a signal to keep moving forward.

The critic might not go away, but it doesn’t need to. It’s just a voice, and you’re the one holding the microphone.

What will you amplify today?


Spencer




About Spencer Combs:

Spencer Combs is a business leader and author of Momentum and Mastery: The Business Leader's Guide to Fastrack Unshakeable Profit, Productivity, and Purpose. With a passion for helping others transform their challenges into opportunities, Spencer offers unique insights through his events, coaching programs, and daily text messages.


Take the Next Step:


Connect with Spencer: www.spencercombs.com/social 

Labels:
Jacksonville, FL, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Here's what others like you are reading:

Daily Dose - Regain Control, One Small Step at a Time

Today's dose is a practical question for immediate impact: "What small, consistent actions could you implement to create a sense of greater control in your day?" Feeling overwhelmed or like your days are running you? You're not alone. The solution isn't some grand overhaul, but rather a series of small, consistent actions that gradually shift the balance of power. Consider: Morning Ritual: Starting your day with a focused routine (meditation, journaling, planning) can set the tone for control. Time Blocking: Scheduling specific tasks in your calendar prevents reactive chaos. Daily Prioritization: Identifying your top 3 most important tasks ensures you're focusing on what truly matters. Mindful Breaks: Taking short, intentional breaks throughout the day helps maintain focus and prevent burnout. These small actions, when implemented consistently, compound into a powerful sense of control and clarity. To your Momentum & Mastery, Spencer Photo by Alex...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Derailment Trap: How a Missing Future Makes You Life's Effect (Momentum & Mastery)

Let's talk about something that can silently sabotage your success: a missing future, or more specifically, a compelling future.  In my book, "Momentum & Mastery," I wrote: "In the absence of a compelling future, you’ll find that when derailments happen, you become life's effect." Think about that for a second. When you don't have a clear, exciting vision of where you're going, you're essentially adrift. You're reacting to life's circumstances instead of creating them. The Derailment Danger Life throws curveballs. Derailments happen. It's inevitable. But how you respond to those derailments makes all the difference. If you have a compelling future, a vision that pulls you forward, those derailments become minor setbacks. You have a north star to guide you back on course. But without that vision? You become life's effect. You're tossed around by every unexpected event, every challenge, every obstacle. I've seen it happe...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Risk-Reward Reality: Why Playing Small Limits Your Business's Potential

 Good morning! As we crank up into a fresh week, let's tackle a basic truth about growth and achievement in business: low risk means low reward. It's tempting to play it safe, to stick to what's comfortable and familiar. The allure of minimizing potential downsides is strong. But the reality is, significant breakthroughs and substantial rewards rarely come without stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing a degree of risk. Think about the biggest leaps forward in business history. They weren't achieved by treading the well-worn path. They came from entrepreneurs and companies willing to challenge the status quo, invest in innovative ideas, and navigate uncertain territory. That "low risk" approach might manifest in your business as:  * Avoiding new marketing channels: Sticking only to what you know, even if it's plateauing.  * Hesitating to invest in growth: Being reluctant to spend on scaling, new hires, or product development.  * Staying within yo...
Post a Comment
Read more