Silencing the Voice That Shrinks Your Confidence

Who is the critical voice whispering in your ear when you’re speaking in public, telling you to play small?

I was coaching a leader who was struggling in his public speaking events. He’d get off to a good start but then lose confidence along the way. He clearly had the skill, but something was bothering him.

So I asked, “Who might be the voice on your shoulder whispering negative thoughts?” and he said, his mother. He remembered her warning: “Don’t go declaring success just yet.” What he heard beneath that message was, “Stay small. Don’t get too sure of yourself.”

Once he reconnected with that memory, he was able to begin building his confidence. He realized, too, that his mother had been dimming her own light, and wished she’d felt free to shine more brightly.

Do you have a critical voice on your shoulder? Who might that be? What is it saying to you?

Notice that voice. You don’t have to silence it — just recognize it for what it is. The more aware you become of that inner critic, the more freedom you have to choose a kinder, truer voice instead.

Your move: What might be possible if that inner critic didn’t run the show? If you’d like support in quieting that voice and leading with confidence, let’s talk.