I talk a lot about strategy on this blog.

As someone who has been battling their Inner Critic for the past twenty-five years, I’d like to think I have some great tips on the subject. I can give you some good mindset reframes to be intentional about. I can even tell you what type of inner critic you have through this quiz.

But usually, in a war, there’s loss on both sides and sometimes your Inner Critic gets the upper hand. You loose the battle. Your Inner Critic beats you down and no matter how you reframe your thoughts or how intentional you are about mindset, it feels impossible to get back up.

What do you do?

Let’s go back to a year ago today—the release of my anthology, Lawless. (Happy one-year book release anniversary!)

There was a lot I had to do for that project. I mean, as the managing editor, it was literally my job to do everything. I did the editing, the interior, the copyedit, and the proofreading. Literally all of it. I was supposed to be editing a novel at the same time, too

It was a rough workload. On top of that, I had some things happen in my personal life that sent me spiraling. Memories I hadn’t dealt with were brought up. In the quiet moments, when I’d stop working, I’d relive those moments of time that I’d long since forgotten. They’d play like a movie I couldn’t stop in front of my eyes.

With it came the horrid voice of my Inner Critic.

You’re not good enough. You disappoint everyone around you. How can you expect to be a full-time author if you can’t handle one measly project?

The list goes on.

I’ll admit. I gave in to those voices. The moment I agreed with them, the project got a whole lot harder. For a long time, I was horrified with myself and felt like I’d failed. I viewed my “failure” as confirmation that I wasn’t a good writer. That I wasn’t a good author. I even met with my mentor and considered that maybe this whole “writing thing” wasn’t for me.

Obviously, I didn’t give up. In fact, I went on to release another book, Copper Lies, and am working on my third now. So, how did I keep moving forward even when I wanted to quit?

1. Seek Help When You Need It.

First, I had to deal with those pesky memories. I met regularly with my pastor, and we prayed through them together. I also met with my mentor about it. After a period of time, I figured out how to invite Jesus into those memories and realized more than once that I’d believed a lie that not only aided the voice of my inner critic but encouraged it to be stronger.

I’m so glad those memories were brought up—as painful in the moment as it was. Because if those memories hadn’t been brought up and I hadn’t been forced to deal with them, I’d still believe those lies. That’s God’s glory and grace. He brought me out of those lies.

2. Repent.

Nobody likes to hear it, but when you agree with the voice of the enemy—when you decide to say, “Yes, that horrible awful thing my inner critic said about me is true. I’m not smart. I’m not pretty. I’m not good enough.”—you’ve decided to step off the path God wants you on.

Harsh? Yes. But we’re told very clearly in the Bible what our brains are supposed to be focused on.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philipians 4:8

The voice of the inner critic is a liar. Sure, there may be half-truths weaved in, but they’re lies at the core. When you’ve decided to agree with and believe the lies of your inner critic, there needs to be a moment when you decide to stop agreeing with it and choose to agree with something else (preferably the truth).

Repent of agreeing with the lies and accept God’s truth in it’s place.

3. Get Back Up.

It might take a while to feel like yourself again, especially if you’ve agreed with the lies for a long time. It might be hard, and it might feel impossible. But at the end of the day, you have a choice. So, keep moving forward.

I know it’s hard, friend. But I believe in you. 🙂 Comment below, what are some strategies you use to keep moving forward?

Oh, and if you haven’t yet, go leave a review for Lawless as a celebration for the 1-year release! It’s never too late to leave a review on a book. 🙂 You can do that through this link!

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