Don't let her take the glory: How to reclaim the story of how you got here

You’ve been hearing a lot about self-compassion. You want to be kinder to yourself. But, that inner critic voice- she’s how you got to where you are now, right? 

You know, your inner “mean girl”.
The one that pushes, the one that berates into perfection, the one that mocks any sign of rest or ease.

Without that voice, where would you be? How would you be motivated to do hard things? How would you be a successful physician?

You probably think “If I stop listening to that voice, I’ll fall apart. I’ll stop trying. I’ll get complacent.”

Don’t believe the lie.
You didn’t get to where you are because of that harsh voice.
You got here despite it.

You kept going even when it told you you weren’t good enough.
You persevered through self-doubt, not thanks to it.
You succeeded with a nasty critic in your ear—not a cheerleader. 

What if that inner voice wasn’t your secret weapon… but your actual nemesis?

What if kindness, not criticism, would give you more success while also feeling much better?

You don’t have to choose between compassion and ambition.

This week, when that mean girl pipes up, try swapping her message for one you’d use with someone you deeply respect and care about. Enjoy getting better results and feeling better at the same time. 

The inner mean girl was never the root of your success.