Silence Your Inner Critic by Unlocking Self-Appreciation

The path to lasting motivation doesn't come from being harshly critical of yourself, but through self-appreciation. This video provides a powerful exercise to help quiet your cruel "inner critic" voice and replace it with kindness.

First, take out the list you made of the common unkind phrases your inner critic says to you, such as "You're so lazy" or "You're ugly and gross." Notice how reading those makes you feel - sad, anxious, angry? Star the 3 phrases that make you feel the worst.

Then, rewrite those 3 phrases as positive affirmations instead. For example, change "You're lazy" to "It's okay to rest when you need it. You're doing the best you can." Swap "You're ugly" with "You're worthy of love and care just as you are."

Spend a few minutes reading the rewritten, positive versions out loud. Notice how it feels to silence the negativity and allow self-appreciation in. The affirming words may feel untrue at first, but keep re-reading them. Remember, you get to choose what inner voice to believe.

Let this exercise sink in: Your existence alone makes you innately worthy of kindness and love. You don't have to earn it through harsh self-criticism. Feeling that self-worth is essential for finding true motivation.

Be proud that you had the courage to face your inner critic head-on and unlock self-appreciation instead. This unlocks the next step of enhancing and sustaining that self-compassion - the path to lasting motivation.