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Taming the Beast Within

We all have that voice in our heads. You know the one I’m talking about.

“This song sucks. No one’s going to listen to your music. Why even try?”

It’s our inner critic – that annoying voice that tries to shut down our creativity before we even start.

For most of us, this negative voice is always there, whispering doubts every time we try to write a song or come up with a new idea.

But what if we’re thinking about this inner critic all wrong?

Rethinking Resistance: Your Critic’s Real Purpose

Here’s something to think about: That doubting voice? It’s actually trying to protect you.

Sounds weird, I know. But let me explain.

Our inner critic started as a way to keep us safe. Back in the day, it stopped us from doing dangerous things.

These days, it’s still on high alert – only now it’s guarding us against the equally terrifying prospect of putting ourselves out there creatively and maybe falling flat on our faces.

I’ve been a perfectionist my whole life. For years, I thought this was a good thing – striving for excellence, never settling for less than the best. But I’ve come to realize that perfectionism was just my inner critic’s sneaky way of keeping me safe.

You see, it’s easier to criticize yourself and not do the work than it is to share your truth with the world. If you don’t put it out there, there’s no way to fail, right? I’d spend hours tweaking a song, convinced it wasn’t good enough yet – or never even get started in the first place. But in reality, I was just avoiding the scary part – finishing my music and risking judgment or rejection.

This perfectionism became a comfortable excuse. “I can’t finish this album because it’s not perfect yet” sounds a lot better than “I’m terrified of what people might think if I actually complete it.” But in the end, it was just another way my inner critic was holding me back, keeping me in a safe but creatively stifling cocoon of unfinished projects.

Changing the Game

So how do we turn this inner saboteur into a creative ally? It starts with a mindset shift.

1. Say hello to your doubt: Don’t try to shut your inner critic up. Instead, greet it. “Well, look who decided to show up. Pull up a chair, Doubt.”

2. Reframe the message: When your critic says, “This sucks,” try hearing it as, “This needs work.” It’s not a red light; it’s just a detour.

3. Use it as a compass: Often, the loudest criticism points right at the most original parts of your work. Follow that uncomfortable feeling.

4. Thank it, then create anyway: Appreciate your inner critic for trying to keep you safe, then kindly let it know you’re choosing growth over comfort today.

The Artist’s Paradox

Here’s the cool part – the more we face our creative fears, the less power they have over us. Every time we create despite our doubts, we get stronger and more creative.

So next time that critical voice starts talking, don’t give up. Don’t go back to playing it safe. Instead, see it as a sign you’re doing something new and exciting.

Think about it – if your inner critic isn’t complaining, are you really pushing yourself?

Try to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Dance with your doubts. You might find your best ideas come from the very things that scare you.

Your inner critic will probably always be there, but you’re the one in charge.

Now go make some art, voices and all.