Do you ever feel like your own thoughts are holding you back?

In this episode Sarah explores how to turn your inner critic - the voice that fuels self-doubt and fear into your inner coach, the supportive inner voice that helps you thrive as a leader.

Sarah unpacks why this critical voice exists (spoiler: your brain’s trying to keep you safe!) and shares practical steps to quieten the self-criticism and strengthen your confidence.

You’ll learn how to recognise your inner critic, respond with compassion, and build a more empowering internal dialogue that helps you lead with clarity, courage, and calm.

Show Notes

[00:00:00] Welcome & Introduction

[00:01:00] Series Focus on Confidence

This episode kicks off a mini-series on confidence, exploring one of its biggest obstacles: the inner critic.

[00:02:00] The Power of the Inner Critic

How self-critical thoughts like “you’re not good enough” or “you’ll fail” affect confidence, performance, and relationships at work.

[00:03:00] Normalising the Inner Critic

Everyone has an inner critic, even confident leaders. The key difference is how we manage it.

[00:04:00] Why We Have an Inner Critic

A neuroscience perspective: the limbic brain is wired to keep us safe by scanning for risk—especially emotional risk and uses self-criticism to stop us taking action.

[00:06:00] Case Study: Toni’s Story

Sarah shares Toni’s experience, a senior leader driven by perfectionism and self-doubt, and how learning to coach herself helped prevent burnout.

[00:07:30] Step 1: Notice the Voice

Start by observing your inner critic. What does it say? When does it appear? Writing these thoughts down helps create awareness and perspective.

[00:09:00] Step 2: Recognise You Have a Choice

You can choose how you speak to yourself. Developing self-compassion is a superpower - talk to yourself as you would a close friend.

[00:10:00] Understanding the Brain’s Intention

Your critic’s goal is protection, not punishment. Acknowledge it's fear instead of fighting it.

[00:11:00] Step 3: Change the Dialogue

Learn to reframe negative thoughts into constructive self-talk. Example: turning “I can’t do that” into “How can I do that?”

[00:12:00] Real-Life Example: Reframing Burnout Fear

A client learns to thank her inner critic for trying to protect her, while reassuring it that she’s now equipped with better boundaries and resilience.

[00:13:00] Step 4: Strengthen Your Inner Coach

Amplify your supportive inner voice by gathering evidence of your strengths, achievements, and positive feedback.

[00:15:00] Tools to Boost Your Inner Coach

• Keep an achievement journal
• Practice positive self-talk and affirmations
• Surround yourself with uplifting content - books, podcasts, music, and meditation

You don’t need to silence your inner critic, just let it relax while your inner coach takes the lead.

[00:17:00] Recap & Reflection

Sarah summarises the four steps:

1. Notice your inner critic
2. Choose compassion
3. Reframe your self-talk
4. Strengthen your inner coach

If you’d like personalised support in developing your inner coach, reach out via careertreecoaching.co.uk.

Remember: You are capable of more than you know. Shine brightly, lead boldly, and be unstoppable.

Useful Links

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Rate & Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: [email protected]

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