Have you ever had a negative thought about yourself? Ever thought: I wish I was smarter? Faster? Richer? Prettier? Funnier? Fitter? Nicer? Thinner? We all have moments of wishing we were more or less of some thing - moments when we are dissatisfied with ourselves. It is actually a normal part of being human.

Self-criticism can be constructive, even productive. Dissatisfaction can lead to positive change. But for the most part, self-criticism keeps us from reaching our full potential and achieving our goals and dreams. We are held hostage by that voice in our heads – our inner critic – playing a constant refrain of “nots” – not possible, not good enough, not capable – and “toos” – too hard, too much, too busy.

Here is where a dose of loving affirmations comes in handy.

Affirmations are positive statements expressing intention and aspiration. They work by quieting that non-stop stream of conscious self-talk we hear in our heads all day long. Replacing an affirming thought with a critical one quickly quiets and transforms the inner critic’s “no-can-do” messages. Affirmations shift our attitude and outlook in seconds, reminding us we can and we will. The more we think we can/we will thoughts, the easier it is to act, the faster our behavior changes, the quicker goals and dreams become realities. The inner critic’s hold over us wanes.

One of our favorite blogs is taking the inner critic to task with a vengeance. Check out Smackdown Your Inner Critic. This insightful, thought-provoking blog will inspire you to think twice about the way you think about yourself. For those of you here in the Twin Cities, check out their upcoming workshops: Smackdown Your Inner Critic and Live the Life of Your Dreams.

To learn more about using Empoword’s on-the-go affirmations to quiet your inner critic and achieve your goals and dreams, click here.