Challenge your inner critic and cultivate selfworth from "summary" of The Confidence Gap by Russ Harris
The inner critic is like a little voice inside your head that constantly puts you down, telling you that you're not good enough, smart enough, or worthy enough. It's the voice that fills your mind with self-doubt and criticism, sowing seeds of insecurity and fear. This inner critic can be so convincing and powerful that you start to believe everything it says, leading to a spiral of negative thinking and low self-esteem. But here's the thing: the inner critic is not always right. In fact, it's often wrong and misguided, basing its judgments on outdated beliefs and irrational fears. The key is to challenge your inner critic, to question its validity and accuracy. When you hear that voice telling you that you're not good enough, ask yourself: Is this really true? What evidence do I have to support this belief? Is there another way of looking at this situation? By questioning your inner critic and examining the evidence, you can start to weaken its power and influence over you. You can begin to see that many of its criticisms are unfounded and unjustified, based on false assumptions and negative biases.
Cultivating self-worth is about recognizing your inherent value and worth as a person, independent of external achievements or validation. It's about learning to appreciate and accept yourself for who you are, flaws and all, without constantly seeking approval or affirmation from others. When you have a strong sense of self-worth, you are less likely to be swayed by the opinions and judgments of others, less likely to be thrown off course by setbacks and failures. You are more resilient and confident, able to bounce back from adversity and pursue your goals with courage and determination.
So, the next time your inner critic pipes up with its negative chatter, remember to challenge it. Don't take its word as gospel; question its assumptions and biases. And at the same time, remember to cultivate your self-worth, to nourish and strengthen your belief in yourself and your abilities. By challenging your inner critic and nurturing your self-worth, you can break free from the chains of self-doubt and insecurity, and step into a world of confidence and self-assurance.
