Do you ever hear an inner voice that questions nearly everything you do? I’ve grappled with such a voice, but I’ve learned to see it not as an enemy, but as a guide pointing out things I might otherwise miss. It took me a while, but embracing this voice rather than fighting it has transformed my life, much like Madeline’s journey in the video game Celeste.
In Celeste, Madeline embarks on a journey to climb a mountain in search of her self-esteem. During her journey, she awakens a shadowy reflection of herself that intensifies her self-doubt, looses her focus and creates constant resistance to her ascent. That is, until she chooses to listen and engage with this part of herself and discovers her full potential. The integration of the shadow, brought her to the top of the mountain faster than before. This mirrors the process of turning our inner criticisms into sources of strength.
It’s normal to have this internal critic. The real question is how much we let it influence our behavior and consume our energy.
Dealing with the critical part of our minds is possible, like Celeste shows.
Here are some first steps:
Step 1: Identify when it arises.
Notice your bodily sensations, the stressors or anxieties that trigger these thoughts.
Step 2: Address the voice
Using positive intelligence training, you can call it a label, like “The Critic”. Find your own labels and call it out to learn its patterns.
Step 3: Appreciate it!
This is very important. Understand that while it might seem critical, its intent is to alert you to potential issues. Thank it for its watchfulness and consider how it can enhance your decisions.
If you’re intrigued by these ideas and want to learn more, join me for a free coaching session where we explore additional exercises to harness the power of your inner voice.