Finding time to manage the critical voices that we all carry inside is one of the most powerful time management choices that you can make for yourself. Your first step in making the most of your time is learning to recognize and rechannel the energy that is so often funneled into self-critical messages.
I’m going to share 3 powerful time management tips with you right now. Use them to curb your inner critic’s input while giving a powerful boost to your self-confidence, energy and productivity.
You see, critical messages sap your energy, confidence, and creativity. Because they distract and deplete you, they can sabotage your best work, creating a vicious self-fulfilling prophecy. Fortunately, they can only interfere in your life if you allow them to.
So, how do you start overcoming your Inner Critic and building back the can-do confidence that you may have lost along the way?
Begin with these 3 Tips to quiet those critical messages. As you implement and practice these skills, you will begin to experience the pleasure of tapping into your inner wisdom and power as you move throughout your day. What a difference you’ll feel, as you learn to recognize and build on positives, rather than listening to that Inner Critic!
3 Tips to Conquer the Inner Critic
1. First, slow down and begin to recognize the voice of your Inner Critic.
Catching the voice of your Inner Critic "in the act" is a vitally important accomplishment. Zeroing in on your critical voice before it sabotages you means that you have the time and the power to neutralize it quickly.
It’s quite possible that you have become so used to some of these messages that they form a toxic backdrop to your life. That’s why it’s crucial to slow down, really listen to yourself, and develop the capacity to recognize this voice when it appears.
You might try writing down the critical messages that you hear yourself conveying. Rest assured that you'll slowly come to recognize the tone and the themes of this voice. The critical voice is not very creative, nor is it very interesting. You'll probably quickly come to recognize its patterns and cadences. Then the trick is to spot it in the moment!
2. Once you recognize your Inner Critic's voice, be sure to name it.
This may sound obvious, but naming is very, very important. When you tell yourself calmly, "Oh, there is my critical voice talking" you are also telling yourself that you are “bigger” than that voice. It is a quiet and empowering step toward separating yourself from this voice.
Your Inner Critic’s messages hold power only when you believe them and react to them. When you recognize and name the source you are better able to see that these messages you are giving yourself are tainted and not to be taken to heart.
3. Don't be reactive to or try to argue with your Inner Critic.
This voice is by definition critical and negative; it can't be argued out of its opinion. If you treat your Inner Critic as if it were rational, you are setting yourself up for endless struggles.
The best way to counter critical messages is with clear, simple, factual information. The simpler the better. And do it calmly and respectfully. Remember that getting angry or being reactive involves giving away some of your power.
As an example, you might say to yourself: "I hear that you think I am really looking foolish right now. The fact is that I am enjoying dancing and if I listen to you, I'll stop enjoying what I'm doing. I understand this is your opinion and mine is different. I really love dancing."
As you can see, the key to dealing with self-critical messages is to recognize them, name them, and then respond from a very grounded, factual, adult place within yourself. You can give them a voice, but they don’t deserve a vote. In this way you retain your power, and move forward to make the very most of your time!
Now, ask yourself: What is your next step to start building self-confidence and finding more time?
Here’s one idea for taking your next step. Sign up for our free gift, "The New Finding Time Boundary Template: 9 Simple, Sequential Steps to Find More Time and Recharge Your Energy!" at http://optimize.thetimefinder.com/templatesg/
This time template will help you move beyond overwhelm, disappointment, and frustration. Using a workbook format, with room to record your answers, you will discover that 24 hours really are enough!
Offered by Paula Eder, Ph.D., The Time Finder Expert.
Paula Eder, PhD, the SelfGrowth.com Official Guide to Time Management, is an internationally-known coach and published author who mentors spirit-driven solopreneurs and small business owners to align their core values and energy with their time choices and behaviors so that they can make more money, create more freedom, and find more time.
Living on a working farm in rural New Hampshire, Paula's connection with time is as organic, spiritual, and down-to-earth practical as the vitality and resiliency of the seasons. From her base in New Hampshire she has maintained a thriving coaching practice for the past 35 years; is a Certified Coach in Kendall Summerhawk's Money Breakthrough Method™ Program; and is a certified graduate of the Vanguard class of the Authentic Happiness Coaching Program conducted by Martin E. P. Seligman, PhD and Ben Dean, PhD.
Her Heart-Based Time Management System helps busy people just like you develop the skills to make authentic time choices that lead to work success, personal growth, vibrant health, and an ever-deepening relationship with yourself and those you love.
To learn more about Paula's unique, Heart-Based Time Management System and begin your transformational journey, sign up for her Finding Time Success Kit. Discover how you can find time for what matters most.
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