Is it your mother always has something to say about what you do and how you do?
Maybe your father who is not happy with the choices you made for your career?
Or is it your big sister or brother who used to pick on you and said mean things?
Could it be your boss who is never happy with your work and gave you that discouraging review a few months ago?

Well they maybe critics but I asked for “the worst” and none of these people can’t be the one.
So who is it you ask. Well get ready for the Truth. It’s you.
It may have started as the voice of your parents, siblings, teachers or friends from childhood but by now it is your voice inside of your head that is most brutal and judgmental among all.

We are our worst enemy. We are our bully. We are the meanest one to ourselves. What we tell ourselves in our head is far worse than what anyone else can ever say about us. Let me share some of my own criticism so you get the idea what I am talking about;
“Who do you think you are?”
“You are not smart enough.”
“What makes you think you can do/have that?”
“You can’t make it. Just give it up.”
“Why bother, you would never succeed.”
“You are a loser, and no one cares or likes you.”
And the list goes on. Can you now recognize some words of your own attack?

We sometimes use these words to push ourselves but mostly we use it to beat ourselves up. So how does these words/phrases make you feel? Does it bring you peace or stress? Anything that brings stress is not self-supportive even when we used with a good intention to encourage us to excel more. We already know what our flaws are. There is really no need to keep reminding us about them. If you want to reduce stress then stop being your critic and become your cheerleader and nurturer. Don’t be so mean and start being gentle with yourself. We have seen how criticism can hurt and discourage a child, why continue using the method that is not supportive or loving. Praise and appreciate yourself today for a change, and notice how you feel. Do you feel more at peace than stress?

You always have a choice. Be the cheerleader not the critic.