Your Inner Critic Isn’t the Enemy — It’s Trying to Protect You

So many of us believe the voice in our head that says we’re not ready, not good enough, not allowed to take up space. It’s easy to resent this inner critic — to think of it as a bully we must defeat.

But what if that voice is trying to protect us?

According to writer Brianna Wiest, the inner critic “aims to protect you by keeping you small.” When we view it through this lens, we see a scared, well-meaning part of ourselves that learned somewhere along the way that shrinking meant safety. That perfectionism was a shield. That quietness would keep the peace. That playing it safe would prevent the pain of rejection or failure.

The problem?
Staying small might have helped you survive… but it won’t help you thrive.

Instead of silencing your inner critic with shame or force, try meeting it with compassion:

• “Thank you for trying to keep me safe.”

• “I know you’re afraid, but I don’t need to hide anymore.”

• “I can make brave choices now, even when I feel uncertain.”

You don’t have to get rid of your inner critic — you just don’t have to let it drive.

When you acknowledge its fear and lead with your values instead, you begin to step into a fuller, more authentic version of yourself — the one who is no longer surviving, but becoming.