The Inner Critic: A Voice We All Know Too Well

I still remember my first few days in Symbiosis College in Pune. New city. New people. New everything.

Back home, I had always imagined this moment, walking into my first lecture, stepping into a world of endless possibilities. I had spent months looking forward to this change. But when the moment arrived, excitement and anxiety twisted together in my stomach.

As I sat in the lecture hall, surrounded by students who seemed so sure of themselves, my confidence wavered. “Everyone here is smarter than you.” “You’re just lucky to be here.” “What if you fail?” That voice, the inner critic wasn’t new to me. But in this unfamiliar place, it felt louder than ever. I saw my classmates speak up in discussions with ease, while I hesitated, second-guessing every thought. I saw them making friends effortlessly, while I overanalysed every interaction. I saw them navigate campus like they had always belonged, while I felt like an outsider trying to fit in.

Each day, I wrestled with my thoughts. Should I raise my hand in class? What if I say something wrong? Should I introduce myself to someone new? What if they find me boring? Should I even be here? I didn't realize it then, but this is how the inner critic works. it thrives in the unknown, growing louder in moments of transition and self-doubt. But the biggest challenge came when I was asked to give a presentation in front of the class.

The Fear of Public Speaking

I wasn’t terrified, but I wasn’t completely confident either.I knew I could prepare well, but the idea of standing in front of an entire room still made me uneasy. What if I stumbled? What if I forgot a key point?

The first few times, I was aware of my nerves. I could hear my own voice shake slightly, my hands fidgeting as I spoke. But with each presentation, something changed. I got better. I found my rhythm. My words flowed more naturally. I stopped reading from my slides and started connecting with my audience. The shaky voice grew steadier, the hesitation faded, and slowly, I began to enjoy presenting.

By the time I reached my final year, I wasn’t just comfortable, I was confident. I stepped onto the stage for a paper presentation competition, and this time, there was no fear, no doubt. I spoke with clarity, passion, and certainty. And when my name was announced as the first-place winner, it felt like proof of just how far I had come.

Overcoming your Inner Critic Voice

The inner critic isn’t something we’re born with, it’s something we pick up over time. It’s shaped by past experiences, expectations, and the fear of judgment. It tries to keep us safe by warning us of failure, but instead, it traps us in hesitation. And why does it feel so loud at times? Because stepping into something new whether it’s a new city, a new job, or a new dream, makes us vulnerable. The critic magnifies every insecurity, making us believe we’re not ready, not capable, not enough.

But here’s what I’ve learned: That voice isn’t always telling the truth.

How I Started to Quiet My Inner Critic

It didn’t happen overnight. But slowly, I found ways to soften its grip:

Recognizing the Voice – Instead of believing every doubtful thought, I started questioning them. When my inner critic whispered, “You don’t belong here,” I asked, “Who says that’s true?” More often than not, it was just fear not fact.

Reframing Self-Doubt – Instead of “I’m not as smart as them,” I started saying, “I am learning, and that’s enough.” The words we tell ourselves matter more than we realize.

Taking Small, Brave Steps – The best way to prove the inner critic wrong? Take action anyway. I spoke up in class even if my voice shook. I made small conversations even when I felt awkward. I explored the city even when it felt overwhelming. And every time I did, the voice lost a little bit of its power.

The Truth About the Inner Critic

Even now, that voice hasn’t disappeared completely. But I’ve learned that I don’t have to let it control me.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not good enough, not capable enough, not ready enough just know that you’re not alone. We all have an inner critic. But we also have the power to challenge it, to rewrite the narrative, and to step into the person we are meant to be. And you? You are far more capable than your doubts make you believe.