18 | August• 2017
We allhave an ‘inner
critic’ who second-
guesses our choices, and
lobs insults about our
perceived shortcomings.
The good news is the more
we recognise this internal
enemy, the easier it will
be to shut him or her up,
so we can be our best
selves.
To become more
aware of your negative
thoughts or critical
inner voice, follow these
steps.
QPay attention next
time a bad mood
hits.Ask yourself what you
thinking about yourself at the time
your mood shifted.
QRecognise situations that tend
to set off your negative thinking(a
phone call from your dad or a friend
haring good news).
Become aware that
ou have turned
against yourself.
QNotice the
occasionswhen
you are thinking
people don’t like
you and examine
the thoughts you
magine they’re having
bout you.
QBe alert to any
ynical thoughts
owards other people;
ey may be valuable
ues as to how you
ack yourself. Once you
become aware of these
specific thoughts, consider what
prompted them in the first place.
QThink about what or whom these
voices sound liketo understand
where your negative thoughts come PHOTOS: iSTOCKHow to Silence Your
Inner Critic
BY DR ROBERT W. FIRESTONEStop negative self-talk and improve your self-esteem
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B y a Q o y p y tTHE DIGEST