B2 – Upper Intermediate
There are times when we end up being our own biggest critic. We tend to be harsher on ourselves when we mess something up. Rather than being our biggest enemy, we must try to be kinder to ourselves and free ourselves from our inner critics.
Read this article to learn the easiest way to silence your inner critic.
https://lifehacker.com/the-easiest-way-to-silence-your-inner-critic-1850497775
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “stem from something” mean? “He used to have a severe case of toxic self-talk that stemmed from an addiction to perfectionism, as it related to performance.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
- What does “to be stuck in a ____ loop” mean? “In fact, many of us are stuck in a toxic feedback loop with ourselves that is more damaging than we might think.” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
- What does “the bulk of the work” mean? “Regardless, the bulk of the work is done when you stop talking to yourself negatively and redirect that negative self-talk into a kinder monologue.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you find yourself being your own biggest critic? How so, and in which situations?
- According to the article, negative self-talk can have a significant impact on our self-esteem and well-being. Can you think of a time when your inner critic affected your confidence or mood?
- What other steps can you take to have more self-compassion and avoid all the negative self-talk?
- Do you believe that silencing your inner critic can have a positive impact on your personal and professional growth? Why or why not?
- Do you think having an inner critic is ever necessary? Why or why not?