When Your Guard Is Down, Your Inner Critic Rules.

11/07/23 • 6 min

Today, I want to talk to you about something that's all too relatable – those moments when life gets a little chaotic and our well-intentioned daily practices slip through the cracks.

It happens to the best of us, and trust me, I'm no exception.

The Slip-Up

Not too long ago, I found myself falling into this very trap.

It started with a series of Halloween parties, a birthday celebration, and the onset of the silly season.

I indulged a little too much, stayed up way past my bedtime, and, to top it off, I have three early-rising kids.

As you can imagine, my nights turned into short, sleep-deprived escapades.

Daily Practices Matter

Now, let me clarify that there's absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying life's festivities.

After all, what's life without a bit of indulgence?

The real issue arose when I let my daily practice slip, and for me, that practice is a combination of meditation, visualisation, and a technique known as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), or tapping.

The Importance of Daily Practice

Meditation, even if just for a few minutes, helps me ground myself, focus on where I want to go, and connect with my dreams.

EFT, on the other hand, is an invaluable tool for clearing emotional blocks.

If you're not familiar with EFT, I highly recommend checking out some YouTube videos to get a better understanding of this free and effective technique.

Doubt Creeps In

So, there I was, letting my daily rituals slip away.

And here's what I learned the hard way: when I lose touch with my daily practice, I lose touch with my belief in what I'm creating.

You see, my passion lies in heart-centred work, particularly in the realm of leadership. I'm on a mission to share this work with as many women in leadership as I possibly can.

Challenges on the Journey

Why? Because deep down, I know that heart-centred leadership can transform the way we lead.

It's about moving beyond the purely rational and logical approach to leadership, infusing it with elements of forgiveness, compassion, and courage.

But in the pursuit of this mission, doubt can be a pesky companion. I often wonder if I can truly make a difference when there are already countless coaches and leaders out there.

The Inner Critic

Without my daily connection to my vision, my belief in myself weakens, and my inner critic gains the upper hand.

Your Inner Struggles

Can you relate to that feeling when you desperately want something, but late nights, a few too many drinks, or the opinions of others start chipping away at your self-belief?

It's like a slow erosion of confidence, and if you don't have a daily practice to anchor you, your dream begins to slip through your fingers.

Staying Grounded

So, what's the message I want to share with you today?

It's simple but incredibly important: don't let the silly season or life's busyness drift you away from your dreams and your true self.

Believing in what you truly want is key, and this is something we often put off until the new year.

Commit to Your Dreams

Sure, you can pick things up again in January, but don't forget to reconnect with your dreams now.

The longer you wait, the wider the gap between you and your aspirations becomes.

The good news is that even amidst the revelry and festivities, you can commit to your daily practice and keep your dreams close.

Free Daily Practice

To help you with this, I've developed a free daily practice that can help you calm your inner critic in moments of self-doubt or stressful leadership situations.

You can subscribe to receive this valuable resource; I'll leave a link below in the show notes.

❤️ Learn How To Calm Your Inner Critic In Moments of Self-Doubt Or Stressful Leadership Situations.

Embrace Heart-Centred Work

If you're looking to dive even deeper into the heart-centred work that has the potential to transform your life, I invite you to explore "Rise Up and Lead with Heart."

This is your opportunity to unapologetically be yourself, to lead with courage, confidence, and purpose.

It's time to break free from the ordinary and step into your greatness. The link to join is also in the show notes.

❤️ Rise Up & Lead With Heart: https://www.newhorizoncoaching.com.au/rise-up-and-lead-membership

So, as you navigate the silly s...

Today, I want to talk to you about something that's all too relatable – those moments when life gets a little chaotic and our well-intentioned daily practices slip through the cracks.

It happens to the best of us, and trust me, I'm no exception.

The Slip-Up

Not too long ago, I found myself falling into this very trap.

It started with a series of Halloween parties, a birthday celebration, and the onset of the silly season.

I indulged a little too much, stayed up way past my bedtime, and, to top it off, I have three early-rising kids.

As you can imagine, my nights turned into short, sleep-deprived escapades.

Daily Practices Matter

Now, let me clarify that there's absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying life's festivities.

After all, what's life without a bit of indulgence?

The Importance of Daily Practice

Meditation, even if just for a few minutes, helps me ground myself, focus on where I want to go, and connect with my dreams.

EFT, on the other hand, is an invaluable tool for clearing emotional blocks.

If you're not familiar with EFT, I highly recommend checking out some YouTube videos to get a better understanding of this free and effective technique.

Doubt Creeps In

So, there I was, letting my daily rituals slip away.

And here's what I learned the hard way: when I lose touch with my daily practice, I lose touch with my belief in what I'm creating.

You see, my passion lies in heart-centred work, particularly in the realm of leadership. I'm on a mission to share this work with as many women in leadership as I possibly can.

Challenges on the Journey

Why? Because deep down, I know that heart-centred leadership can transform the way we lead.

It's about moving beyond the purely rational and logical approach to leadership, infusing it with elements of forgiveness, compassion, and courage.

But in the pursuit of this mission, doubt can be a pesky companion. I often wonder if I can truly make a difference when there are already countless coaches and leaders out there.

The Inner Critic

Without my daily connection to my vision, my belief in myself weakens, and my inner critic gains the upper hand.

Your Inner Struggles

Can you relate to that feeling when you desperately want something, but late nights, a few too many drinks, or the opinions of others start chipping away at your self-belief?

It's like a slow erosion of confidence, and if you don't have a daily practice to anchor you, your dream begins to slip through your fingers.

Staying Grounded

So, what's the message I want to share with you today?

It's simple but incredibly important: don't let the silly season or life's busyness drift you away from your dreams and your true self.

Believing in what you truly want is key, and this is something we often put off until the new year.

Commit to Your Dreams

Sure, you can pick things up again in January, but don't forget to reconnect with your dreams now.

The longer you wait, the wider the gap between you and your aspirations becomes.

The good news is that even amidst the revelry and festivities, you can commit to your daily practice and keep your dreams close.

Free Daily Practice

To help you with this, I've developed a free daily practice that can help you calm your inner critic in moments of self-doubt or stressful leadership situations.

You can subscribe to receive this valuable resource; I'll leave a link below in the show notes.

❤️ Learn How To Calm Your Inner Critic In Moments of Self-Doubt Or Stressful Leadership Situations.

Embrace Heart-Centred Work

If you're looking to dive even deeper into the heart-centred work that has the potential to transform your life, I invite you to explore "Rise Up and Lead with Heart."

This is your opportunity to unapologetically be yourself, to lead with courage, confidence, and purpose.

It's time to break free from the ordinary and step into your greatness. The link to join is also in the show notes.

❤️ Rise Up & Lead With Heart: https://www.newhorizoncoaching.com.au/rise-up-and-lead-membership

So, as you navigate the silly s...

Previous Episode

How to Navigate Leadership Challenges with Grace

A while back, someone told me that it's not difficult to be a good leader when things are going well.

We've all seen it – companies thriving, money flowing, and everyone's enjoying fancy parties.

But the true test of leadership is how you stand your ground when things get tough.

In this blog, we'll delve into the essence of heart-centred leadership, exploring how to show up authentically when the going gets rough.

When You're Triggered

First, let's think about how you show up when you're triggered.

Spoiler alert: people can see it written all over your face and body language.

It's essential to be mindful of this, as it can affect your leadership.

But don't worry; I've got some strategies to help you handle those moments.

Calm Your Inner Critic 😮‍💨

Calm your inner critic and ground yourself.

Find a good moment to have a conversation with the person who triggered you. It doesn't have to be confrontational – choose a neutral approach.

It's not always easy, but I've got a free resource on how to calm your inner critic in moments of doubt and stress.

It's a game-changer for many women worldwide.

Tapping into Heart Intelligence

Now, let's talk about heart intelligence. Our hearts have a brain-like structure with neurons, and it plays a crucial role in how we respond.

Think about it; you can be brain-dead and still live because your heart keeps pumping.

By tapping into your heart's intelligence, you can access a different level of intuition and make more authentic decisions.

Shifting Your Approach

Leading with heart means shifting your approach, especially in changing situations.

It's about incorporating both your mind's intelligence and your heart's wisdom.

Sometimes, things may not seem logical or rational, but they mean something.

Embracing this holistic approach can help you lead with courage and purpose.

Rise Up and Lead with Heart ❤️

If all of this resonates with you and you feel there's something missing in your leadership, I invite you to join 'Rise Up and Lead with Heart.'

This community and membership will help you move away from the chaos of your mind and tap into the wisdom of your heart.

It's about building emotional resilience and finding a balanced approach to leadership.

Conclusion: As a leader, it's not just about the good times; it's about how you show up when things are tough.

It's about responding, not reacting, even when things go sideways. Heart-centred leadership can help you thrive and step up, making you a more authentic and resilient leader.

So, take a moment to reflect on how you show up in challenging situations, and if you're interested in exploring this further, check out 'Rise Up and Lead with Heart.' It's a new approach to leadership that could be the missing piece in your journey.

Take care and lead with heart.

With love, Caroline

Next Episode

How To Stop Your Negative Looping Thoughts.

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to find yourself caught in the endless loop of thoughts, worries, and distractions.

But what if I told you that there's a simple solution to break free from this mental turmoil?

It's not a magic pill, but a daily meditation and visualisation practice.

Before you dismiss the idea, hear me out – it's not just for spiritual gurus; it's a mental health tool that can transform your life.

The Cloudy Mind Analogy

Imagine your mind as a vast, endless sky – limitless and expansive.

However, like any sky, clouds sometimes form.

These clouds represent the thoughts, feelings, and emotions that naturally arise.

When left unchecked, these clouds can accumulate, becoming darker and more ominous.

It's like a storm brewing in your mind, and this is when life starts to feel heavy, difficult, and confusing.

Clearing the Mental Storm

Now, let's talk about your daily practice, which for me includes meditation and visualisation.

This daily ritual helps me acknowledge and clear the clouds in my mind.

The truth is, these clouds will appear one way or another, but by taking a moment to create space and reflect on them, you can allow them to pass.

The sun rays of clarity and peace can then shine through.

Consistency Is Key

You might be thinking, "Well, that sounds nice, but it won't work for me."

I'm here to challenge that notion.

Just as going to the gym daily and practising push-ups increases your strength, the same principle applies here.

A consistent daily meditation and visualisation practice will transform your mental resilience and clarity.

The Transformative Benefits

So, what happens when you incorporate daily meditation and visualisation into your life?

You'll find that triggers that once drove you mad become less potent.

You'll build emotional resilience, creating fewer negative stories that replay endlessly in your mind.

Your focus on your life and career goals will sharpen.

For me, life feels easier and lighter.

Important Considerations

Here are a couple of key points to keep in mind.

Firstly, daily practice is a commitment, not a quick fix.

Just as you won't become a fitness guru with one visit to the gym, consistency is essential.

Secondly, find what works for you.

Some prefer stillness, while others thrive on guided meditations or walking visualisations.

Start Slow and Build

Begin with just a minute and gradually increase your practice.

The magic is at the other end of consistency.

As you continue, you'll feel calmer, more at peace, and better equipped to handle triggers and negativity without letting it affect you.

Cultivating Resilience

The ability to hold your ground amidst changing circumstances is invaluable.

Life is full of unexpected twists, be it in your personal or professional life.

If you're not equipped to deal with these changes, you'll continually be pushed back.

It's time to give yourself the chance to cultivate resilience.

Taking the First Step

It all starts with a simple daily practice and the consistency to stick with it.

If you're ready to dive deeper, there are two paths for you.

First, you can join my free practice to calm your inner critic in moments of self-doubt and stressful leadership situations.

The link is in the show notes.

Secondly, if you're looking to embrace a heart-centred leadership approach, consider joining "Rise Up and Lead with Heart."

Check out the link below to explore further.

In the whirlwind of life, it's easy to get lost in the clouds of our thoughts.

But by incorporating a daily meditation and visualisation practice, you can clear the mental storm, increase your mental resilience, and lead a more focused and peaceful life.

It's time to make that commitment to yourself and experience the transformation that awaits.

With love, Caroline.