The Voice in My Head Is a Jerk… So I Fought Back

We all have that voice. You know the one—the nagging narrator that second-guesses, criticizes, and loves to whisper, “Who do you think you are?” It shows up when you’re about to take a risk, speak up, or do something bold. It’s the inner critic. And let’s be honest—it can be a real jerk.

Where Does the Inner Critic Come From?

Your inner critic didn’t just appear out of nowhere. It was shaped over time by experiences, fears, failures, and maybe even a few voices from your past that weren’t so kind. Its job? To protect you. But somewhere along the way, it started holding you back instead.

It feeds on doubt and grows louder when you’re tired, stressed, or stepping into something new. The worst part? It often disguises itself as logic or humility. But here’s the truth:

That inner voice isn’t always right—and it’s definitely not always kind.

Fighting Back with Awareness

You don’t have to silence your inner critic completely. (Spoiler: you probably can’t.) But you can stop letting it run the show. The first step is noticing when it speaks.

Ask yourself:

• Would I talk to a friend this way?

• Is this thought helping me grow or shutting me down?

• What’s the actual truth here?

Naming the critic helps, too. Give it a persona—something a little ridiculous. Mine? I call him Doubtful Dave. When Dave starts up, I smile, say thanks for the input, and keep moving forward anyway.

The Power of Rewriting the Script

Instead of letting your inner critic write the ending, grab the pen back. Flip the script. Replace “You’re not good enough” with:

• I’m learning and growing every day.

• I’ve done hard things before—this is no different.

• I’m allowed to take up space and share my voice.

This isn’t about toxic positivity. It’s about choosing a mindset that aligns with truth, not fear.

Your Mindset Matters

At Wandering But Not Lost, we believe that movement clears the mind—and mindset moves the needle. Whether you’re hiking a trail, journaling under a tree, or just taking a deep breath before a big decision, you can shift that inner narrative.

The voice in your head doesn’t have to be your enemy. With practice, it can become your greatest ally.

One Final Thought

Next time your inner critic shows up uninvited, pause. Smile. And remind yourself: You are not your thoughts—you are the awareness behind them. And you, my friend, are capable of incredible things.

For more, don’t miss our:

Quiet the Critic Guide