We spend a lot of time in our heads, especially in isolating times. And very often, our inner voice is full of self-judgement and criticism – what Thrive Founder and CEO Arianna Huffington calls the “obnoxious roommate living in our head”. When that critical voice speaks up it puts us down, strengthening our insecurities and doubts.
The first step to quieting your inner critic is awareness. Identify your current perspective and ‘check’ yourself against any limiting beliefs that might be driving these thoughts.
The second step is challenging your perspective. Ask yourself: what’s another way to view this situation?
The third step is choosing to see what is positive in the moment. What can be seen as an opportunity rather than a problem?
Here are three more simple strategies – we call them Microsteps – small, science-backed actions you can take to help build healthier habits.
Once a day, challenge one of your recurring negative thoughts.
If you catch yourself in a negative mindset, pause and view the moment through a different lens.
You’ll build the mental muscle of reframing so it becomes your default.
If you hear yourself using negative language, try a more positive phrase.
We all have negative thought patterns. Identifying and replaying them will help us shift our perspective.
Next time you reflect on a failure, ask yourself what you can learn from it.
Instead of blaming and judging yourself, ask what changes you can make or what skills you can develop to succeed next time.
An alliance between Thrive Global and Monash University with the mission to end the stress and burnout epidemic. The partnership brings an evidence-based approach to well-being and performance, and works with organisations to deliver programs that lift the performance, resilience, engagement and mental health of employees.
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