Throughout our lives, we are told to “be our own competition.” This is true in order to eliminate feelings
of envy towards others. However, we may turn to inner competition which may leave us stuck in a rut if
we do not know when and how to control this inner criticism.
This inner critic may stem from the desire for perfection. We feel that mistakes cannot be made, fear
vulnerability and are constantly aware of what others may say. When this occurs it may become easy to
fall into a trap of self-doubt. We focus on the problems instead of the progress made. We may also use
shame and guilt which further results in a negative outlook. Inner critic is often associated with never
being enough. It’s often forced and driven by illogical reasoning.
On the other hand, inner guidance is a good tool to measure how much work is needed for personal
challenges or standards we set for ourselves. Acknowledgment of the complexity of embarking on a
journey may result in volition and motivation. We are able to appreciate how far we’ve come and this
provides us with the willpower to persevere through what lies ahead. It furthermore focuses on love and
gratitude. The journey is transitional and driven by passion.
Life is a journey rather than a destination. We should not dwell on the past but instead use the lessons
learnt to change our mindsets and shape our future. We are constantly growing but often forget or take
for granted what we have achieved. A few years ago, you may have thought that you could not
overcome an obstacle but if you really take a moment to appreciate the events leading up to
overcoming this obstacle, you will notice it’s often the seemingly insignificant factors.
So, while you are recognizing your weakness, don’t forget to acknowledge your strengths. Admire your
growth and trust the process. Believe in your thoughts and actions and you will discover what you are
truly capable of.
