Gremlin - working with your inner critic in mentoring

Source: https://mentiway.com/en/mentoring-coaching-techniques/?t=gremlin---working-with-your-inner-critic

Improving self-confidence Motivation to act Broadening perspective Getting out of a stuck situation

This technique helps you work with internal limitations and habits. It allows you to identify and work with your limitations.

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Gremlin – working with inner critic

There are many ways to work with your inner critic, and inspired by the exercises below; you will find your way of dealing with it.

Also view an article about the inner critic.

Exercise 1

When Gremlins appear, ask yourself the following questions:

When do they occur?
In what situations are they activated?
Where do they come from?
How do they affect me?
Do they, and how do they affect others?
Do they and what influence do they have on how I perceive the challenge in front of me?

Name each of them and write down their most important characteristics.

In the next stage, answer the questions:

What to do when they appear?
What to do so they don't appear?

The fact that you are aware of them and name them helps.

Sometimes, during reflection, a solution appears that will help you overcome what your inner critic encourages you to do (Do it, and you'll make a fool of yourself in front of everyone!) or discourages you from doing (Don't do it, you're not strong enough for it to succeed!)

Exercise 2

Try to make contact with your inner critic to find a new perspective on what you hear.

What statements does your inner critic make in moments of weakness?	What statements would it make if it became your inner ally?
... ... ... ... ...	... ... ... ... ...

Reflect on this exercise and try to find answers to these questions:

Was it easy to change the perspective from critic to ally?
What was the most challenging part?
What was easy about it?
How did it help you?
How do you feel about the new perspective?

Additional questions that you can ask yourself as a continuation of this exercise or treat them separately:

What is the message from your inner critic that has appeared?
Does it warn you about anything?
What does it bring new to you?

Answer all the questions in the given context, situation, and event.

It is not always possible to capture universal truths about your critic. Still, over time, by looking at it more closely, you will undoubtedly see some repeating patterns and find your methods that will work when it appears.

You can combine the questions from exercises 1 and 2 in a way that works best for you or the Mentee.

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