I've been watching a family of nesting osprey. Imagine if the chicks hatched with inner critics saying, “Stay in the nest; it’s safe here.” Or, “What makes you think you can fly? “ Or, “Don’t jump. You could get yourself killed.” Nest all over the world would be filled with dead birds! 

Do not let your inner critic kill your business aspirations!

Your inner critic would like you to believe that it represents the voice of reason. Maybe the voice says, “That idea will never fly.” Or, “Who do you think you are?” Or, “That’s not good enough.” 

The truth is that your inner critic is more like a bossy child. Sometimes it’s a downright bully. 

Letting your inner critic make your business choices is like letting your child make your vacation plans. 

You can manage your inner critic the same way you manage a bossy child. 
When your inner critic rejects an idea that could threaten your safety, say, “Thank you for sharing. I’ll consider that point when I make my choice.”

Here are three phrases that balance the limiting messages of your inner critic:
    •    Done is better than perfect. It’s my working mantra. Some people spend their time getting ready to get ready. Don’t! Get out on the battlefield.
    •    It’s okay to suck.  An art teacher delivered these words when she looked over my shoulder and saw I was having a hard time getting started. The first blog post or video or white paper you create will not be a masterpiece. That’s okay! You didn’t give up the first time you rode your bike without training wheels, or shot a basket. You practiced, and got better. Give yourself permission to make a mess and craft something that might wind up in the garbage. That’s how masterpieces are created.
    •    Fail fast. Talk with anyone who has risen to levels of greatness, and they will tell you they have failed. Test before you launch a product, service or marketing campaign. You may think an idea will fly; what’s important is how your prospects and clients vote with their wallets.

You want to make informed business choices.

?Let a thoughtful adult--not a bossy child--make these choices.

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© 2019. Vicki Rackner MD. All rights reserved.  You may reproduce this post with the following by-line:
Vicki Rackner MD is an author, speaker and consultant who offers a bridge between the world of medicine and the world of business. She helps businesses acquire physician clients, and she helps physicians thrive. Contact her at (425) 451-3777.