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Author: Mags Bell

Do you hear that little voice in your head when you’re working on something? No, you’re not going insane, that’s your inner critic, whose ultimate goal is to make you doubt yourself. Today, we’re going to confront that little voice in our heads that holds us back from reaching our full potential. Because let’s face it, this critic is stopping us and while we have got used to it, it’s just a matter of finding the right tools to silence it. So, let’s dig deep into understanding, addressing, and conquering these limiting beliefs together.

Understanding the Inner Critic

First things first, what is that voice and why won’t it shut up? It tells you you’re not good enough, that you can’t achieve your goals, or that you’re bound to fail. It’s the voice that undermines your confidence and stifles your ambitions.

But why do we have these doubts, and what purpose do they serve? Well, they stem from past experiences, conditioning, or external influences that have shaped our perceptions of ourselves and our abilities.

The inner critic, or the saboteur, is the voice that tells you, “You’re not good enough,” or “You can’t do that.” It’s like a relentless companion, hindering your progress and preventing you from setting goals and pursuing them.

The Origin and Impact of Limiting Beliefs

As mentioned, these doubts and limiting beliefs often stem from past experiences or influences that have shaped our present reality.

We carry these stories with us, reliving them in the present moment.

But here’s the thing: the present is not the past—it’s now.

We have the power to change our narrative if we choose to. 

Techniques for Overcoming Self-Doubt

So, how do we overcome these? There are various approaches, including meditation and mindfulness practices. By taking a moment to pause, we can distance ourselves from the grip of the past and become fully present. We can cultivate appreciation for the simple things around us, grounding ourselves in the here and now.

Personally, I grappled with my own inner critic a number of years ago. Even at one peak in my career, winning accolades left and right, that voice still haunted me, whispering that I wasn’t worthy. It led me down a path of depression, a dark place I never want to revisit. But through that struggle, I discovered tools and techniques to silence that inner critic and reclaim control over my thoughts and actions. This inner critic represents the ego mastering us, but the goal is to master our ego instead.

Mastering the Ego: The LeadingME® Ladder of Leadership

Now, let’s talk about the LeadingME® Ladder of Leadership and the role of ego in all of this. You see, our ego plays a significant role in how we perceive ourselves and interact with the world. It’s like a ladder on its side— with one side representing control and judgement, and the other side representing belittling and victimhood. When our ego is out of balance, we may find ourselves oscillating between these extremes, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and disempowerment. Mental health issues.

But here’s the good news: by mastering our ego, we can go back to the centre ground of the LeadingME® Ladder of Leadership—the place where we are in control of our thoughts, emotions, and actions. This is where tools like the 4Rs Release Model® come into play, helping us recognise where we are on the ladder and guiding us back to the centre ground.

Practical Strategies: The 4Rs Release Model

The 4Rs Release Model®— is a simple yet powerful method for breaking free from the shackles of self-doubt. It’s about recognising the negative self-talk, rewarding ourselves for challenging it, reframing our thoughts into positive affirmations, and repeating this process until it becomes second nature. But here’s the kicker: it all starts with cultivating a positive feel. Without that foundation, positive thinking alone won’t cut it.

Cultivating A Positive Feeling

Now, you’ve probably heard all about the benefits of maintaining a positive mindset, but here’s the thing:

positive thinking alone isn’t enough.

In order for positive thinking to truly work its magic, we need to cultivate positive feeling first.

That’s right—positive feeling precedes positive thinking.

Without that underlying sense of positivity and optimism, our attempts to think positively will fall flat.

Resources for Self-Mastery and Growth

Now, you might be thinking, “Easier said than done, right?” And you’re absolutely correct. That’s why I offer resources like webinars to dive deeper into these concepts and provide practical strategies for mastering your inner critic. It’s not a quick fix, but with dedication and practice, you can reclaim control over your thoughts and unleash your full potential. Ultimately, it’s about reclaiming control over our thoughts and actions, breaking free from the shackles of self-doubt, and embracing a mindset of possibility and empowerment.

Remember, the inner critic thrives on our fears and doubts. To starve the beast, we must shift from negative thinking and feeling to positive feeling and empower ourselves to lead from within… LeadingME®. So, if you’re ready to break free from the chains of self-doubt and step into your greatness, I invite you to explore the 4R’s Release Model® with me and embark on your journey to self-mastery.See below.

If you want to learn more about overcoming self-doubt and building your confidence, you can click here to join our next masterclass for free.

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