Your Inner Critic is Expensive

When I first started out in business, I thought my biggest hurdle was lack of experience or knowledge.

But here's the truth - it wasn't either of those things. The biggest obstacle? The voice in my own head telling me I couldn't do it….

Here's the thing - That voice in your head questioning your every decision isn't just uncomfortable – it's expensive. 💸

Research has shown that negative self-talk affects our decision-making abilities. For business owners, this translates directly to lost opportunities and revenue.

That negative self-talk isn't just annoying, it's programming your brain for certain outcomes. Your brain is constantly listening to what you tell it.

When you say "I can't do this" or "This is too hard," your brain responds to these statements. It's like typing a negative code into your personal success software.

So what do you do about it? 

Here's the good news: if negative self-talk can limit us, positive self-talk can empower us.

Take Arianna Huffington for example. Before she built one of the world's most influential media companies, she had what she called an "obnoxious roommate" living in her head - you know, that voice that just won't quit with the doubts and criticism. When she launched The Huffington Post, critics weren't shy about calling it "an unsurvivable failure." (Ouch!)

But here's the good part - instead of letting that inner roommate agree with the critics, she kept going. She learned to acknowledge those doubts without letting them run the show. The result? That "unsurvivable failure" later sold to AOL for $315 million! Talk about proving that inner critic wrong…

The Science Behind Self-Talk

Neuroscience research has transformed our understanding of how self-talk shapes our success in so many areas of our life. I just listened to this really fascinating podcast with Mel Robbins and neurosurgeon Dr. James Doty explaining how our brain creates new neural pathways based on our internal dialogue.

What does this mean for you as a business owner? Every time you replace a limiting thought with an empowering one, you're literally rewiring your brain for success.

There is a whole lot more to this and his protocol for overcoming it - so I highly recommend you listen to the Mel Robbins podcast episode to get the full scoop, its called: #1 Neurosurgeon: How to Manifest Anything You Want & Unlock the Unlimited Power of You Mind.

I’ve heard a lot about manifesting over the years (and many believe its a bit woo-woo) but I have never heard it explained in this way with the science confirmed by a top neurosurgeon - it’s well worth a listen.

5 Power Techniques to Transform Your Inner Dialogue

Here are some other well-known techniques you can start using right now for combatting negative self talk:

1. The Awareness Method: Catch & Label 

   When negative thoughts arise, simply label them: "There's my inner critic again." Research shows this labelling technique helps reduce stress and anxiety. Use this when setting prices, pitching to clients, or launching new services.

   Example: Instead of getting caught in "I'm not tech-savvy enough," notice it and say, "That's just a worried thought about technology."

2. The Evidence Challenge

   Keep a concrete "Business Wins" document. Research indicates that recording and reviewing past successes improves confidence in future decision-making. So question those limiting beliefs with real evidence.

   Action Step: Start a spreadsheet with three columns: Date, Win (no matter how small), and Impact.

3. The Compassion Switch

   Studies show that self-compassion improves resilience and problem-solving abilities - crucial skills for business owners.

   Practice: Replace "I should have known better than to make this mistake" with "This mistake provided valuable data for my next strategy."

4. The Name-Switch Technique

   Research shows that using your name instead of "I" can help create psychological distance when making decisions under pressure.

   Business Application: Before important meetings, say "[Your name] has handled challenging situations before and will navigate this one too."

5. The Growth Reframe

   Based on growth mindset research, this technique transforms perceived failures into learning opportunities.

   Example: Instead of "I'm terrible at sales," switch to "I'm developing my sales skills with each conversation."

This Week's Challenges:

Morning Manifestation Session: if you get a chance, listen to the podcast with Dr. Doty I mentioned above and try working his protocol into your morning routine.

Power Practice: Each day catch one negative thought and transform it using each of the 5 techniques above, so see which one works best for you.

Victory Collection: Start a "proof I'm awesome" list in your phone. Add three wins every single day, no matter how tiny. That great email you wrote? Win. Made a tough call? Win. Got out of bed? Some days, that's a win too!

Reframe Exercise: Take your biggest business fear and apply the Growth Reframe technique.

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