The Inner Critic & Self-Judgment
Explore why the inner critic evolved and how it shapes your behavior today.
The Voice That Points Things Out
The voice that points things out often speaks as if it stands apart from you.
It gestures, highlights, corrects.
Externalizing it creates distance.
This is not who you are, but a function that learned to signal risk through criticism.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get some distance from my inner critic?
You "externalize" it. In the model, the inner critic is "The Voice That Points Things Out"—a localized function of the Status system. By giving it a name or viewing it as a "pointing mechanism," you gain clarity. It isn't "you" talking; it is a specialized subsystem providing data. This externalization creates the structural space needed to evaluate the "pointing" without being overwhelmed by the criticism.
Why does externalizing the inner critic make it feel less powerful?
Because it removes the "Identity Hook." When you believe you are the voice, you have to defend it or obey it. When you see it as a "voice that points things out," you are the observer. This shift from Subject to Object is a primary tool for restoring agency. You can listen to the data without being consumed by the tone, allowing the Narrative system to make a calm, integrated choice.