The Ongoing Journey of Building Confidence: Managing My Inner Critic
As someone with 20 years of experience in HR, I’ve faced numerous challenges—from navigating complex organisational changes to leading teams through uncertain times. Yet, one thing remains a constant: confidence and managing my inner critic are an ongoing journey, no matter how experienced we become.
This week, I found myself questioning everything I’ve done. I was in a situation where I was working with a new group of people, and this amplified my perception of being judged. My inner critic started to whisper its familiar, negative thoughts: I’m not good at my job. I should have done better. I’m useless. I’ll never succeed. These thoughts were painful to hear, and without the tools I’ve learned over the years, it could have easily been a crushing experience.
But here's the truth: this isn’t where the story ends. Through years of learning and practice, I’ve developed a new way of responding to these thoughts. Rather than letting them control me, I engage with my inner critic. I challenge it. I remind myself of the evidence and positive alternatives. I am good at my job. People enjoy working with me. I’ve made the best decisions I could with the context and resources available at the time.
I’ve also learned that growth is a process. I don’t need to have all the answers, nor do I need to be “right.” What matters is that I’m continuously learning, and that’s what helps me keep moving forward. It’s also okay to disagree or take a different approach—by sharing those differences, we can work together to find the best possible outcomes.
Despite how difficult it was, by the end of the day, I had successfully calmed my inner critic. It took hours of mental effort, but the result was worth it: I was able to openly share my journey and maintain my confidence.
This experience was a reminder that confidence is not a destination—it’s an ongoing practice. The tools and techniques we develop over time help us manage challenges as they arise. And that’s what matters: staying true to your values, trusting yourself, and accepting that it's okay to still be growing.
If you're navigating a similar journey, I encourage you to lean into the tools and practices that help you counter negative thoughts. It can be hard work, but it’s always worth it. Confidence isn’t a fixed state; it’s something we nurture every day.
At CoMotion, we’re committed to helping people grow in a supportive community where learning and action lead to lasting change. If you’re ready to step into your confidence and overcome limiting beliefs, join us at CoMotion. Together, we’ll explore new possibilities and continue our journeys toward personal and professional growth.