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The Psychology of your 20s

241. Are we our own worst critic?

Oct 22, 2024
The podcast delves into the harsh reality of being our own worst critic. It explores how self-criticism is rooted in childhood experiences and societal pressures. The conversation highlights the role of social media in exacerbating these feelings, encouraging listeners to embrace radical self-compassion. Techniques like cognitive diffusion are discussed to help combat negative self-talk. Ultimately, it emphasizes the need for self-acceptance and recognizing that others are not scrutinizing us as closely as we think.
38:31

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Self-criticism often originates from childhood experiences and internalized beliefs about worth and validation, shaping adult perceptions negatively.
  • Practicing radical self-compassion and cognitive diffusion can effectively counteract the harsh inner critic and improve self-perception.

Deep dives

Understanding the Inner Critic

Self-criticism often stems from an inner voice that manifests as a harsh judgment of our actions and choices. This inner critic is not only excessively negative but also rooted in our evolutionary survival instincts, as it aims to help us avoid behaviors that could lead to social ostracism. It operates automatically, leading many to believe the negative narratives it creates, which can significantly impact daily life by fostering feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. The challenge lies in recognizing this inner critic as a product of our experiences rather than an objective truth about ourselves.

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