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In this episode, we dive into the pervasive challenge of managing the harsh inner critic many women physicians face. We explore the origins of this critical voice, how it develops, and its impact on our lives. Let’s also talk about compassionate strategies to identify, understand, and quiet this inner critic, so you can learn to live life with less negative noise.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the Inner Critic
- Origins:
- Often rooted in societal expectations to excel and please others, reinforced from childhood through adulthood.
- Influenced by environments that equated worthiness with achievement, perfection, and making others happy.
- Behaviors and Patterns:
- Turns leisure activities into measurable achievements.
- Critiques rest and relaxation as laziness, perpetuating burnout and overwork.
- Mirrors external voices like strict authority figures, internalized as self-judgment.
Why It’s Harmful:
- Keeps high achievers in a cycle of overwork and self-criticism.
- Prevents true rest, joy, and connection with oneself and others.
- Leads to feelings of inadequacy and perpetuates burnout.
Strategies for Taming the Inner Critic:
- Recognize and Name the Critic:
- Identify the inner voice as separate from yourself.
- Give it a name to acknowledge when it’s active (e.g., “The Judge” or “The Boss”).
- Understand Its Intentions:
- Reflect on what the inner critic is trying to achieve.
- Recognize that, while misguided, it believes it’s helping you succeed.
- Compassionately Shift Its Role:
- Accept that this part of you exists but doesn’t have to lead.
- “Move it to the back seat” by listening without allowing it to dictate actions.
- Practice self-empathy and reframe thoughts as opinions, not truths.
- Reimagine Success Without the Critic:
- Visualize a life where the critic isn’t in control—where rest, joy, and imperfection are part of your journey.
Mentioned Resources:
- Books and Concepts:
- Internal Family Systems Therapy by Richard Schwartz.
- Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine.
Invitation to Join Unbound:
Are you a woman physician battling burnout, perfectionism, people-pleasing, or a lack of boundaries? Join Megan’s transformative program, Unbound: Women Physicians Reclaiming Their Lives.
Enrollment Deadline: December 13, 2024
Next Session Starts: March 2025 (don’t wait!)
Unbound offers a supportive community and actionable tools to reclaim joy and balance.
Connect with Megan:
- Website: www.healthierforgood.com
- Program Info: Click here
Let’s work together to quiet the inner critic and create a life filled with joy, rest, and purpose.
Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review. Until next time, take care.
Connect with Dr. Megan Melo:
- Website: www.healthierforgood.com
- Instagram: @MeganMeloMD
- Email: megan@healthierforgood.com
Support the show
To learn more about my coaching practice and group offerings, head over to www.healthierforgood.com. I help Physicians and Allied Health Professional women to let go of toxic perfectionist and people-pleasing habits that leave them frustrated and exhausted. If you are ready to learn skills that help you set boundaries and prioritize yourself, without becoming a cynical a-hole, come work with me.
