8-A Step-by-Step Guide To Turning Your Inner Critic Into Your Biggest Cheerleader
Introduction
It is said that our thoughts are like an iceberg. Our conscious beliefs represent the part of the iceberg visible above water—about 30%—while the other 70% lies beneath the surface, representing our unconscious beliefs. These belief systems literally create our individual realities and shape how we experience the world. If 70% of those beliefs are unconscious, it’s no wonder the majority of how our lives look and feel is shaped by thoughts and beliefs we don’t even know we have.
On top of that, most of us have a ratio of about 80% negative thoughts to 20% positive ones, with the average person having around 12,000 thoughts a day.
After reflecting on these statistics, it’s no surprise that many of us feel less than happy and struggle with negative self-talk.
Of course, everyone wants to change this, and the first step is changing yourself. You can’t help others change until you’ve done it for yourself. So, the first step is to make this shift for you.
This was the first step I took when I decided it was time for a change. Here are some simple steps that worked for me—and for many others I know—when it comes to transforming your inner critic into your biggest cheerleader.
Step 1: Choose to Change & Never Stop Choosing to Change
A shift can’t happen unless you decide you are willing to change. After that, the process becomes much easier when you consistently set the intention and vision of becoming happier and more positive. When you choose to change, you open doors and create opportunities that you didn’t see before. As soon as you decide to see them, other helpful tools will reveal themselves to support you on your journey.
Step 2: Look at One Limiting Belief at a Time
What is the first thought you notice you often think or say that might be limiting you? Once you recognize it, reframe that thought into a more limitless version. Turn the negative into the opposite positive.
For example:
Limiting belief: “I’m running late and I’ll never make it in time.”
Limitless belief: “I always arrive exactly when I am meant to” or “I trust my timing and allow the day to unfold in a way that works for my greatest good.”
Take the time to observe the thoughts you have and the comments you make. If they seem negative or limiting, how can you reword them to be more positive?
If you’re having trouble identifying a limiting belief within yourself, look at your surroundings and ask, “What situation (big or small) feels limiting to me right now?” The situation that stands out to you is directly tied to a belief you hold based on how you think and feel about it. If your belief weren’t negative, it wouldn’t feel limiting, and you would see other possibilities. Describe what you think about the situation, and try rephrasing your perspective so it feels more positive.
Step 3: Practice All the Time
Make a habit of regularly observing and reflecting on your thoughts and comments throughout the day. Be kind to yourself—this takes time and practice, but it’s worth it. By consistently practicing self-awareness, you can slowly transform that inner critic into a voice of encouragement and positivity.
Conclusion
Keep it simple. These steps are all anyone needs to start shifting into a more positive mindset and turning your inner critic into your biggest cheerleader. It’s not always easy, but it’s beautiful and brave to make changes within yourself. Never stop striving for positivity—just tackle one belief at a time and practice every day until it becomes second nature. You’ve got this!
Try This Today: The Helpful Tool of Journaling
Start journaling at the end of each day, reflecting on everything that happened and how you felt from morning to night. Read it back and pinpoint any negative comments. See if you can reword those sentences into something more positive. Ask yourself how the new phrasing feels compared to the old one. Keep whichever version helps you feel better and boosts your inner cheerleader.
Wishing you love and liberation,
Janette
