I wonder if you’ve ever felt the spark of an idea beginning to form, only to immediately hear that familiar internal voice whisper, “This is stupid. I can’t do it. It’s not good enough”? (Or something similar…) If so, you’re definitely not alone! Today, I want to talk about one of the most powerful creativity killers we face: self-criticism.

When Your Inner Critic Takes the Wheel

Self-criticism doesn’t just dampen our mood—it fundamentally alters how our brain functions creatively. When that critical voice takes over, our brain shifts from its expansive, idea-generating mode into a defensive, analytical state. Instead of freely exploring possibilities, we become fixated on avoiding mistakes and judgment.

Women in particular tend to internalise critical voices they experienced from childhood, from people of authority, and society at large. These voices can become so familiar that we mistake them for truth or self-protection, when they’re actually barriers to our true authentic expression.

The cost of listening to the inner critic? Ideas never shared. Projects abandoned halfway. Creative risks never taken. And perhaps most painful of all: the gradual belief that somehow “I’m just not good enough.”

What Your Creativity Needs Instead

Your creativity thrives in an environment of psychological safety—where exploration is valued over perfection, and where curiosity leads the way rather than judgment.

Here’s what happens when we silence (or at least balance) the inner critic: your survival instincts relax their grip, allowing ideas to flow and connect in new ways. Your nervous system shifts from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest, the state where inspiration flows naturally. You become receptive and open, rather than defensive.

Practical Ways to Quiet Your Inner Critic

The big question of course is HOW do you quieten the inner critic? It’s stubborn little thing! Here are some ideas for you:

1. Separate creation from evaluation. Give yourself permission to create messily and imperfectly first—schedule your inner critic for later. Say to yourself: “I’m just exploring right now. I’ll edit tomorrow.”
2. Recognise criticism disguised as protection. When you hear “You’ll make a fool of yourself” or “Who do you think you are?”—name it as fear, not truth. These are protective mechanisms from earlier chapters of your life that no longer serve your growth.
3. Practice self-compassionate phrases. Replace “This is terrible” with “I’m learning as I go” or “What would feel good to create next?” Research shows that self-compassion actually improves performance and resilience, unlike self-criticism which tends to have the opposite effect.

1. Seek out supportive environments. Surround yourself with people who understand the creative process—who know that vulnerability and imperfection are not just acceptable but necessary for authentic expression.
2. Hypnotherapy. Well of course I’m going to suggest this…. Hypnosis can be used to help shift limiting beliefs and thought patterns, and to move through old creative blocks.  

At a deeper level this is an invitation to reclaim parts of yourself that criticism has silenced. Every time you choose compassion over criticism, you’re not just making space for better ideas; you’re healing the relationship with your own creative spirit.

Remember: the goal isn’t perfect creation—it’s authentic expression.

Your voice matters. Your ideas deserve space. And your creativity has been waiting patiently for you to come home to it.

With love and belief in your creative spirit,

Alarna