Friday, July 14, 2006

The Inner Critic
By Sharon Good

"One of the greatest deterrents to creativity is the inner voice that constantly whispers in our ear that we're not good enough, that nobody will approve of what we're doing, and that they don't really like us anyway. This "inner critic" becomes our constant companion, not only in our work, but in everything we do.

The inner critic begins as a survival mechanism. When we're children, part of our parents' job is to teach us socially acceptable behavior. In doing so, even the best parents inevitably curb our natural instincts. This makes us feel that there must be something innately wrong with us, and it hurts or shames us. In order to avoid future pain, we start telling ourselves what's wrong with us before others in our world get around to it."

Read more here.

10 comments:

Bob said...

Lately I've wondered just how much untapped talent there is in the population. There must be a high percentage of people who are not remotely aware of their potential.

Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

Rob...I believe you're right, and it's said because a good part of it could be reversed if people just believed in themselves. Thanks.

Kathleen said...

Nice sharing Don! Ah yes... a dear friend this inner critic...! Which brings to mind what a dear friend(Pamela) might say...

hmmmm... could you thank that inner critic for trying so hard to help... bow to it... and tell it that it can rest now...? It's service is no longer needed... so it can rest...

:) Om Shanti...

Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

Yes Kathleen and Pamela is wise to take this approach with the Inner Critic. Met Pamela for the first time last year. Delightful person and a wonderful teacher.

Just submitted a paper on Inner Archetypal Helpers for my class on Depth Psychology. It was a valuable learning lesson for me about the inner chorus that helps and hinders me in my life and work. I applied these concepts specifically to my business.

Hope to meet you some day as well. Sri Dan says wonderful things about you.

We bow to Pamela...and Dan.

Blessings.

CE said...

I used to have panic attacks because of this inner critic.
And I know a lot of parents are doing their children a lot of harm.
Thanks for writing about this.

Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

Thanks Imemine...It is an important issue.

Kathleen said...

Hi Don... Happy to hear you have met the beloved "P"...! and it's wonderful that you are able to integrate these teachings into your business world.. there does seem to be alot more of that happening these day... it is lovely to see!

and thank you... I Hope to meet you some day as well. Dan has shared the story of how you two found each other after so many years... wonderful..!

And yes.. bowing to all...!

Namaste...

Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

Kathleen...that would be great. Dan is an amazing man. So full of love and kindness. He literally radiates it. Know what I mean? I am so grateful that Dan and I reconnected--our friendship has been such a blessing. Namaste and enjoy your day.

Kathleen said...

Yes Don... I do know what you mean...! amazing... yes,... full of love and kindness... yes,.. radiating... yes, wonderful... yes...

It is lovely to see how close the two of you are...

Have a great day as well Don...!
Namaste... k.

Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

Thanks Kathleen. Friends are THE best. Enjoy your weekend. Namaste!

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