Name That Inner Critic to Own Your Power
Your mind speaks non-stop, spinning stories that you often mistake for truth. That narrator—your ego—was shaped by childhood beliefs and now runs an endless loop of “I am not enough,” “I’m too old,” or “I’ll never get it right.” It’s exhausting, and it’s unconscious.
One day, I started listening: every time I thought “I am,” I’d jot it down in a tiny notebook. Then I gave that voice a name—“Nick the Narrator.” Suddenly, I could spot him coming, like a friend calling me on the phone with predictable catchphrases. I’d say, “Hi Nick, I hear you again.” That split second gave me space to reply differently.
When Nick said, “You’re a fraud,” I questioned it, reminding myself of the real steps I’d taken. “I might be wrong, but I did finish that whole project on time.” Truth feels so much more solid than worry.
Naming your ego doesn’t silence those thoughts overnight, but it changes how you relate to them. Instead of being at the mercy of your mind’s theater, you become the audience. With practice, those old narratives lose their grip—and you get to choose new lines.
Each time you catch “I am” on autopilot, whisper the name you gave your ego, then ask, “Is that really true?” Offer a new statement that reflects your real strengths. Over time, you’ll find Nick the Narrator growing quieter, letting a kinder, wiser voice take center stage. Give it a go today.
What You'll Achieve
You’ll create distance from your reactive thoughts, fostering clearer self-awareness and kinder self-talk. Internally, you’ll feel empowered instead of overwhelmed; externally, you’ll make choices aligned with your true goals.
Name and Tame Your Inner Storyteller
Notice “I am” statements
All day, catch every thought that begins with “I am.” Jot down one or two each time you catch them in a notebook or phone note.
Give your ego a name
Pick a playful name—“Sam the Storyteller” or “Betty the Boss.” Each time you hear that ego voice, say, “Aha, it’s Betty again,” to create separation.
Question the ego’s story
When your named ego speaks, pause and ask, “Is that really true?” Challenge it with calm evidence. “I might be wrong, but I do have examples that prove otherwise.”
Practice a new script
Write a counter-statement to your usual ego line. If “I am too lazy” is common, choose “I am capable of steady progress.” Repeat it three times a day.
Reflection Questions
- Which “I am” statements repeat most often?
- What name will you give your ego?
- How might you challenge your ego story the next time it speaks?
Personalization Tips
- At work, when you think, “I am not smart enough,” name your ego and counter with, “I’ve solved tougher problems before.”
- Before dinner, catch any “I am” thoughts and label them—“Here comes Alex again!”—then offer a kinder perspective.
- When social media shame spikes, pause and ask, “Is this my ego talking?” Then remind yourself of three compliments you’ve received this week.
How to Do the Work: Recognize Your Patterns, Heal from Your Past, and Create Your Self
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