All of us struggle with our inner critics from time to time. It’s that voice that tells us we’re not tough enough, fast enough, thin enough, or organized enough. Whatever our inner critic tells us, it’s probably been in repeat mode for years. If we listen to this voice, we end up doubting ourselves. As a result, we often end up holding ourselves back instead of aiming high.

When it comes to our health and fitness, “off program” times can amplify those negative messages our inner critics send us. It’s easy to view a little weight gain as a personal flaw rather than our body’s natural response to relaxing. Often our inner critics cause our confidence to dip or our moods to downshift. This kind of mental state does not inspire forward action. The good news is that positive encouragement does.

The truth is, we all hear from our inner critics from time to time. However, just because it’s making itself known, does not mean we have to listen. As James Brown sang, “You’re just talkin’ loud and sayin’ nothing.”

On her website, women’s leadership expert, 

Tara Mohr, lists a few ways to bust your inner critic and replace it’s doubting voice:

*Pick 5 words that describe your inner critic (anxious, angry, sad, etc.)

*Recognize the times your inner critic shows up.  You’ll probably notice a pattern.

*Dismiss your inner critic.  You might even visualize sending it off somewhere.

*Question your inner critic.  Ask things like “Is this actually true?”  “Is there another reason I am feeling this way?”

We many never get rid of our inner critics, but we can dismiss their voices and replace them with voices that are compassionate and encouraging.  Viewing our bodies and their fluctuations with curiosity and compassion is a far stronger foundation for taking care of ourselves mentally and physically.

By: Talya Edlund // Kenzai Assistant Trainer & Member