Understanding the inner critic

What the inner critic is

The inner critic is the part of you that judges, compares and condemns. Sometimes it sounds like a strict teacher, sometimes like a disappointed parent, sometimes simply like yourself. Its tone is harsh, its standards are high, and it rarely offers praise. For many it is so familiar that they no longer perceive it as a voice at all, but as a fact.

Where the voice comes from

No one is born with an inner critic. Early on we learn which standards apply, what earns recognition and what does not. Over time, voices from outside become a voice inside you. In truth it wants to protect you: if I judge myself harshly enough, other people’s criticism will hurt me less. This very movement is what „Die innere Logik” describes as inner valuation: no one else needs to judge you any more, because you do it almost without pause yourself.

Critic, shame and self-condemnation

The critic grows especially loud when shame is in play. Then it no longer says “you made a mistake”, but “something is wrong with you”. This self-condemnation feels like self-knowledge, yet it is something else: it makes you small instead of helping you. Recognising it as a voice is the first step towards no longer believing its every word.

Gentle steps

• · Notice when the critic speaks. It is a voice, not the truth.
• · Hear the tone: would you talk this way to a person you are fond of?
• · Ask after its intention. What is this voice actually trying to keep you safe from?
• · Answer instead of obey. You are allowed to disagree kindly, even if it feels unfamiliar.

How the companion “The Prison of Valuation” can help you

On the platform you go step by step through exactly this dynamic: where do you judge yourself, where do the standards come from, and who are you when you no longer pass judgement on yourself without pause? You can try the first four chapters for free, in your own tempo. During the build-up phase all chapters are free. You will find an overview of all entry pages under topics of Die innere Logik.