6 Reflection Questions to Calm a Teacher's Inner Critic
We all know that teachers have a lot on their plate during the school year. There’s pressure from admin, students, parents…but what about the pressure teachers put on themselves?
Teachers being self-critical is a trend I have noticed from being a teacher and from working with my teacher clients. And while the stress from self-criticism is very real, I believe it can be lessened or avoided by recognizing your negative thought loops and slowly but surely changing the narrative.
That’s why in this post I want to share with you six reflection questions to help you recognize and calm the voice of your inner critic.
If you find these reflection questions helpful, please share with a teacher friend!
And for more reflection questions like these, check out our full ebook of self-care activities, 30 Days of Self-Compassion.
RECOGNIZE, NAME, AND BE KIND TO YOUR INNER CRITIC
The purpose of these reflection questions is to become more aware of your inner critic, and to help you start to recognize that those thoughts are not you. You don't need to be fixed and you are not the problem. The problem is the voice.
Consider the following questions below and write down, say, or think your response (I recommend journaling, but do whatever works best for YOU).
What types of things do you typically judge or criticize yourself for? (career, appearance, relationships, parenting, etc.)
What language do you use with yourself when you notice a flaw or mistake?
Close your eyes and get in touch with the voice behind that negative language. What does the owner of that negative voice look like to you?--what name would you give it?
Once you feel more clear on who your inner critic is, use these reflection questions to help you show kindness towards that inner critic. You can't fight fire with fire, and being angry at that voice will only reinforce the habit of being hard on yourself. What if you treated that voice like you would a hurt friend instead?
How do you respond to a friend, a loved one or a student when they are struggling? What do you say? What do you do? What is your tone?
How do you treat yourself when you are struggling? What do you say? What do you do? What is your tone?
When your inner critic pops up, what is something kind, compassionate or loving you can say in response?
We have had some bomb conversations with teachers like you in our Beat Burnout Facebook group about these very questions. I encourage you to join our community if you are craving a school year of less stress and more balance.
As a final note, I want you to know that if you find yourself being critical of your work, your appearance, your performance, or something else about yourself during the school week:
You are not alone.
There are actions you can take.
