Quiet the Critic | Virtual
Improve Your Self-Talk While Keeping Your Standards High
"That was sloppy." "I should have caught that sooner." "Everyone else seems to have this figured out." Plenty of successful people talk to themselves with a version of this all day and don't mind it. Some are sure it's the reason they've done well, and that going easier on themselves would mean getting less done.
The research doesn't back that up. Harsh self-criticism is linked to procrastination, fear of failure, and burnout. When every mistake comes with a verdict, people take fewer risks, avoid feedback, and put off the hard task. Studies on self-compassion find that people who meet a setback with some understanding are more willing to try again and improve. Your standards can stay exactly where they are. The running commentary is the part worth changing.
This talk is for you if:
You talk to yourself in ways you would never talk to anyone else
You think your inner critic is what keeps you productive
You're not sure it's a problem, since it has worked so far
You worry that being kinder to yourself means settling
You'll walk away with:
A way to spot your inner critic, including the versions that sound like "just being realistic"
A clear look at what your self-talk is costing you and whether it's buying you anything
A simple test for telling a high standard from a harsh one
One practice for the moment after a mistake
Led by Christian Bumpous, LMFT, LPC
Therapie Talks is a free monthly event hosted by our licensed therapists at Therapie — a therapy practice serving busy professionals and couples in Nashville and Minneapolis.
Each month, we break down a mental health topic that is applicable to everyday life. No jargon, no pressure — just real conversation, practical tools you can use right away, and a group of people who take their mental and emotional health seriously.
Learn more about Therapie Talks and stay updated on current events here.