You're Wrong About ADHD Break Up with Your Inner Bully: ADHD and the Power of Self Talk
Nov 19, 2025
Megan Nicola joins to tackle the harsh inner monologue many with ADHD face, likening it to a drill sergeant. She explores the roots of self-criticism, links it to childhood experiences, and emphasizes reframing ADHD as a strength. The discussion highlights how societal pressures fuel shame and introduces practical tools for shifting self-talk from punishment to curiosity. Megan offers strategies for creating emotional safety, fostering authentic self-expression, and navigating the line between confident self-talk and arrogance.
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Cattle Prod Inner Voice Revealed By Diagnosis
- Sam describes using a lifelong 'cattle prod' inner voice to force productivity before diagnosis.
- Diagnosis revealed why he pushed himself with harsh self-talk instead of kindness.
Self-Talk Shapes How You Experience Life
- Self-talk is a running monologue that processes our experience of the world and ourselves.
- When we internalize external criticism we turn societal rejection into shame and relentless self-critique.
Childhood Models Become Your Inner Rules
- Early caregiving models teach rules for safety that become our default inner voice.
- Those generational survival rules often carry deep self-criticism and reduce the safety of being ourselves.