44. Befriending Your Inner Critic: From Enemy to Ally

Written By Ben Dadbin
 
 

What if your inner critic is actually trying to protect you—and you can learn to work with it instead of against it? 

We all have that inner voice that tells us we're not good enough, smart enough, or capable enough. In this episode, Ben and Mitra explore the true nature of your inner critic through raw, honest conversation about their own struggles with these relentless internal voices. You'll discover why fighting your inner critic only makes it stronger, and learn a completely different approach that transforms your relationship with self-doubt from the inside out. Through gentle inquiry and practical tools, they show you how to find the wisdom hidden within your harshest internal judge—and finally create some peace in your own mind.


What You’ll Learn: 

  • The difference between survivor and thriving voices - Recognize when your inner critic crosses the line from helpful advisor to harmful saboteur.

  • The slow-down method for creating distance - A simple technique for getting space from self-critical thoughts without fighting them.

  • How to befriend your inner critic through curious inquiry - Transform self-doubt by asking the right questions to reveal what it's really trying to tell you.


If you’re someone who ….

  • Struggles with a relentless inner voice that tells you you're not good enough, no matter what you accomplish

  • Feels exhausted from constantly fighting against your own thoughts and self-doubt

  • Wants to find peace with the critical voices in your head instead of being at war with yourself

…then you’ll want to be sure to listen in on this episode. Enjoy!


Chapters: 

00:00 : What Is the Inner Critic?

01:44 : The Many Voices Inside Us

05:20 : Where Does the Inner Critic Come From?

08:58 : When the Voice Becomes Your Enemy

10:33 : The Problem with Fighting Back

14:37 : Why "Just Be Friendly" Doesn't Work

17:34 : Getting Distance Through Slowing Down

23:43 : The Power of Healthy Skepticism

25:36 : Asking Instead of Telling

29:21 : Finding the Hidden Wisdom

31:38 : The Process Teaches Us Everything

33:04 : Key Takeaways for Your Journey


Links : 

Learn more about Mitra’s self-coaching program: https://mitramanesh.com/ 


Social Media: 

@mitramanesh_ (https://instagram.com/mitramanesh_)


@bendadbin (https://instagram.com/bendadbin) 


@theinnerview.live (https://bit.ly/4f61J0Q)


Keywords : 

Ben Dadbin, Mitra Manesh

Ben Dadbin
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42. Your Inner Masculine vs. Feminine: How to Find the Balance