Meet Minor: Naming Your Inner Critic and Taking Back Your Power….now’s the time
We all have that voice — the one that sneaks in when we least expect it, whispering doubts, fears, or judgments. I call it the inner critic, and for years, I let it feel like a mirror reflecting all the “not enough” thoughts I carried. But recently, I learned how to meet it, name it, and even playfully call it out. This post is about that process and how you can do it too — without judgment, without shame, and with a little humor.
Step 1: Give it a Name
For me, my inner critic first went by “Mirror.” It reflected everything I feared about myself: “You’re not talented enough,” “You’re too emotional,” “You can’t do this.”
Then I realized — Mirror was lying to me. It didn’t deserve that power. So I downgraded it to “Minor” — a small, insignificant voice that can no longer steal my joy or diminish my greatness.
You can’t steal my greatness or joy, Minor!
Naming the critic gives it distance. It’s not me; it’s just a voice. And I get to decide how much attention it gets.
Step 2: Ask Questions
When Minor shows up, I try an exercise I learned in therapy: I ask it questions — out loud or in writing — and let it answer.
Questions might be:
“Why do you think I can’t do this?”
“What are you afraid will happen if I succeed?”
“Why are you always pointing out flaws?”
Step 3: Answer from Minor’s Perspective
Then, I answer as Minor — honestly, without judgment:
“I’m just scared you’ll fail and look foolish.”
“I don’t want you to feel too much joy because it makes me feel out of control.”
“I bring up flaws because I think that keeps you safe.”
Once you acknowledge it, you can respond from your own perspective:
“Thanks for sharing, Minor. I hear you, but I am choosing to focus on my strengths, my joy, and my potential. You don’t get to dictate my life.”
Step 4: Make it a Habit
The beauty of this exercise is that it works consistently:
Every time Minor starts whispering, you can name it, ask it questions, and answer it.
You create space between yourself and the critic.
Over time, the critic’s voice loses its power — it becomes a minor factor in your life.
Reflection
Naming and dialoguing with your inner critic is an act of self-respect. It’s playful, therapeutic, and empowering. Minor doesn’t get to steal your joy, diminish your creativity, or dictate your worth. You get to live in your greatness, unapologetically.
✨ TAG, You’re It!
What’s the name of your inner critic?
What would happen if you spoke to it without judgment and answered its concerns like you’re in charge?
How can you make this dialogue a regular practice whenever that voice creeps in?
