Using your Inner Critic as a Compass

In the coaching world, we talk a lot about “resistance”. 

I believe that most procrastination is simply our resistance to our most important initiatives.  Our inner critic gets loudest during these times and points out exactly what we’d feel safer steering clear of. 

When we get used to this familiar cycle, we can use it to our advantage. By noticing the tendencies to pull away from tasks, put things off and busy ourselves with everything except for the key tasks on our list.  Where resistance is the strongest, this is where we must pay attention and “eat the frog” (as they say).

What does resistance sound like as an internal voice?

“You are not ready to launch a podcast, your message isn’t clear yet”

“You can’t go live with your hair like that”

“Who are you to give a talk on this topic when you still struggle with it yourself”

This inner critic, annoying as it may be, holds clues to where we can benefit from focusing.  It is often these tasks that are going to make the biggest difference in our businesses.  

My frequently procrastinated tasks used to involve writing.  I have all the reasons why my message isn’t ready for prime time.  My inner critic is busy telling me I’m a terrible writer, no one wants to hear what I have to say and my message is too similar to all the other voices out there.  So for years, I put off writing.  Once I started posting on social media a few years ago, I would get people telling me how it inspired them to do things differently.  This is when I learned, if I don’t lean into the resistance, I won’t be able to impact the lives of others.  Your inner critic holds the same wisdom for you!

Another strategy is to make a list of the top 3 things that you procrastinate in a typical week.  This often leads you to your highest impact tasks. Once you have clarity on your high-leverage tasks, put them on your calendar, and treat them as sacred.  

Most importantly, when you hear that voice inevitably pop up again tempting you to put things off, say thank you for trying to keep me safe.  Then go take action anyway.  If you are a recovering perfectionist like me, it might help to tell yourself you are taking messy, imperfect action. Surround yourself with supportive people to lean on as it will be uncomfortable.  The more you practice, the better you get at it. It doesn’t get easy, you just get more confident in your ability to move through the discomfort.  You will be pleased with the results.