How to Quiet Your Inner Critic as You Walk Into the New Year

The new year is all about resetting, recharging, and setting new goals. In the process of growth and transformation, it can be easy to listen to your inner critic and fall into self-criticism and critique. You can have self-deprecating thoughts and fixate on the list of things you believe that you need to change.  

While growing and becoming a better version of yourself takes time, tearing yourself down does not need to be a part of the process as you head into the new year. Here’s how to quiet your inner critic as you set resolutions for the new year.

Practice Gratitude for How Far You’ve Come

You will never have fully arrived, but you will always be a work in progress. Instead of fixating on all the work you need to get done to better yourself, celebrate how far you’ve come. Practice gratitude for your progress. Honor the woman you are right now and the work you’ve done to get here.

Embrace Your Mistakes 

You can enter into a life of peace and wholeness when we are willing to take ownership of our mistakes. Your inner critic will try to make you feel shame and that the mistakes you have made define you. However, they do not. Everyone makes mistakes and taking accountability is where freedom lies.

Show Yourself Kindness and Grace

You are always deserving of your care and kindness. Silence your inner critic by embracing your inner child. One tip for when you’re feeling particularly vulnerable and self-critical is to treat yourself the way you would for your little sister, your daughter, or a child. Rally around yourself figuratively and show yourself extra grace, as you transition into the new year and look ahead to the future.