Episode 227: Inner Critic Plus Holding Yourself Hostage
Do you find yourself chasing a sense of worth that always feels just out of reach? Many of us hold ourselves hostage with our inner critic, especially when it comes to overcoming pornography. I see this pattern frequently in coaching sessions where clients believe they can't experience happiness or peace until they've "earned it" through extended periods without viewing porn.
In this episode, I explore how the inner critic often mimics external voices from our past - parents, religious leaders, and societal norms. This internalized criticism becomes a form of self-oppression, convincing us that we must achieve specific milestones before we deserve to feel good about ourselves. This pattern is particularly damaging because it runs counter to how genuine growth and healing occur.
I share a four-step approach to working with your inner critic that allows you to move from a place of shame to one of self-compassion and authentic change. Through this process, you'll learn how to recognize these critical voices, develop healthier responses, and reclaim your authority over your own experience while maintaining alignment with your values.
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What You'll Learn from this Episode:
How to identify when you're holding yourself hostage with perfectionist thinking.
The four essential steps to working with your inner critic effectively.
Why happiness and peace are your birthright, not rewards to be earned.
Understanding the difference between accountability and self-punishment.
How to reclaim your inner authority from critical voices.
Ways to set boundaries with your inner critic while showing compassion.
The connection between feeling worthy and making lasting changes.
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Full Episode Transcript:
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