Our inner dialogue plays a powerful role in shaping how we see ourselves and the world around us. For those struggling with impostor syndrome, this inner voice often amplifies self-doubt and fear. The inner voice has good intentions – it is trying to protect you! It’s trying to shield you from perceived threats like failure, rejection, or embarrassment. While its intentions may be good, its methods can backfire, keeping you stuck in fear or self-doubt instead of helping you grow. The good news? You have the power to quiet the voice, and rewrite the narrative it is spinning to keep you small.
If you’ve faced criticism or failure before, your inner voice might warn you to stay in your comfort zone to prevent that pain from happening again. It might say things like, *“Don’t try—you’ll just fail,”* as a misguided way to protect you from disappointment. My inner voice tells me it is safer to be in the middle of the pack, because being at the top would make people feel bad.
Understanding that your inner voice is trying to protect you – or others – can help you recast your relationship with your inner critic. Instead of seeing it as an enemy, recognize it as a cautious ally that sometimes overreacts. What is your inner voice trying to keep you safe from? This question can uncover fears you may not even realize are holding you back.
Once you identify the fear, you can thank your inner voice for its concern but challenge its assumptions. For example, you might say, “I hear you’re afraid I might fail, but growth requires trying new things.” You can also remind your inner voice of the relative safety of your activities. To your voice, failure might mean rejection from your community leading to certain death, but learning how to play the guitar, or giving a presentation to 50 strangers has never led anyone to meet a gruesome end. Remember, your inner voice wants to protect you, but it doesn’t always have the full picture. With time and awareness, you can retrain it to guide you toward growth rather than holding you back.
Addressing your inner voice’s concerns can shift its tone from critical to constructive – using its creative energy to support rather than hinder you. Giving a presentation in front of 50 strangers is daunting, but what would need to happen in order for it to be a success? Preparation and practice are two strategies that come to mind. You can also quiet a voice that criticizes your fumbling first attempts by adding the word “yet” to whatever criticism it throws at you. “You can’t play the guitar… yet.” “You can’t give an interesting and engaging presentation... yet.” This subtle shift acknowledges your current reality while leaving space for growth.
Pair this new shifting strategy with affirmations grounded in truth, such as, “I am capable of learning new skills,” or “I’ve overcome challenges before; I can do it again.” One of my personal favorites is “I am not made of sugar,” meaning that I am tougher and more resilient than my fears are trying to tell me.
Finally, surround yourself with positivity. Seek feedback from trusted peers, consume content that uplifts you, and take small actions that reinforce your abilities. Confidence grows through repeated, positive reinforcement.
Changing your inner dialogue takes time, but it’s worth the effort. By acknowledging your inner voice, you put your fears in perspective, and ensure they are only one of the feelings you experience when trying something new. Choosing optimism over doubt, you can quiet the inner critic and unlock a mindset that supports your growth and success.
If you’re ready to take the next step to silence your inner critic, explore our 8-week program designed to help you build confidence, develop strategies, and embrace your success!