Looks like your partner in crime is…

THE INNER CRITIC

Let’s be real though - this isn’t a flaw, its an adaption.

This part of you formed for a reason. It’s helped you cope, stay safe and make it through life when things got overwhelming.

It’s not broken — it’s brilliant and it’s also probably pretty bloody tired too.

“You’re sharp, discerning and hold yourself to high standards. It’s a strength - you care about doing things well and getting it right. But that same precision can turn inward, fueling self-doubt and a sense that nothing is ever quite enough. Underneath your inner-critic, there’s often a quiet fear of not being enough as you are…”

How this pattern shows up

When things feel messy or uncertain, your Inner Critic steps up to take charge. It has one goal: control the chaos by perfecting yourself.

You might:

• Replay conversations in your head, wondering if you said the wrong thing

• Feel like you should be doing more, better, or faster

• Push down feelings and power through instead of pausing to rest

• Struggle to accept praise or feel proud of your efforts

• Hold others to high standards and get frustrated when they don’t meet them

This part isn’t trying to be harsh, it’s trying to keep you safe.

What it’s trying to protect?

At its core, the Inner Critic is a protector. It learned that if you just do everything right, you’ll avoid the pain of criticism, rejection, failure or being misunderstood.

It’s trying to shield you from:

• Feeling not good enough

• Being judged or exposed

• Losing control or making mistakes

• The messiness of being fully human

It’s doing its best, even if it’s running you ragged.

How it might be holding you back

When this pattern runs unchecked, it can:

• Keep you stuck in overthinking and self-doubt

• Make it hard to enjoy what is working

• Drain your energy with constant self-monitoring

• Stop you from taking risks or showing up fully

• Create disconnection in relationships through judgment or withdrawal

You’re not broken, just caught in a loop that thinks effort = safety.

The superpower behind the pattern

When it’s not in overdrive, your Inner Critic brings gifts. It can help you:

• Spot what’s out of alignment

• Show up with care and integrity

• Hold a high standard without needing perfection

• Offer thoughtful feedback and deep insight

• Build trust through consistency and quality

Your discernment is real, it just needs a little compassion to soften the edges.

How to work with it differently

This part of you isn’t the enemy — it’s just tired from doing too much for too long.

Here’s how to shift:

• Notice when it shows up. Do you feel tension? Tight chest? The urge to fix?

• Name it gently. “Hey, Inner Critic… I see you.”

• Ask what it’s protecting. Get curious: what’s the fear under here?

• Offer support. What would it be like to let yourself off the hook, just for a moment?

• Choose something different (if you're ready). Like rest, some self-kindness or even asking for help.

Change starts with awareness, not more effort.

Wait up… is this not quite landing?

If you’re reading this thinking, “Hmm… doesn’t sound like me,” no stress. These quizzes aren’t perfect and sometimes we click through life in weird ways. If it feels a bit off, no drama, just have a peek at the other patterns - your flavour might be hiding in there instead.

👉 Explore the other patterns