“I must go over this painting! It needs more depth; it’s still in its rough stage. Maybe a layer of pastel will make it more realistic. This isn’t my best work.” Sheila, my inner critic, is talking again. She insists on perfection, whispers doubts, and often pushes me toward overworking my art. And yes, I gave in to her peer pressure today. I went back over the painting with pastels, smoothing out the legs, adding a touch of white to the background.
The truth? This is my least favorite piece so far. Maybe it’s the dark background I started with. Normally, I begin painting on a white canvas, then add an undertone. Still, this piece reminded me of something deeper: I need to stop letting Sheila (my inner critic) dictate the worth of my art.
Don’t get me wrong, sometimes her feedback is helpful. But other times it’s nothing more than noise, especially when she doesn’t get her way.
Why We All Have an Inner Critic (Sheila)
Every artist, writer, or creative person knows this voice. The one that says:
- “This isn’t good enough.”
- “You should fix it again.”
- “People will judge you.”
Our inner critic is a part of us, shaped by our experiences, expectations, and sometimes a fear of failure. She wants to protect us, but often she ends up silencing us.
The challenge isn’t to eliminate the critic, it’s to learn how to befriend her and know when to listen, and when to set her aside.
Tips to Silence & (or) Befriend Your Inner Critic
1. Name the Voice
I call mine Sheila. Giving her a name helps separate her from me. She’s not the truth; she’s just a voice.
2. Ask: Is This Helpful or Hurtful?
Constructive feedback improves the work. Destructive criticism tears you down. Learn to spot the difference.
3. Set a Time Limit
Allow your inner critic a short “review session.” After that, she’s done talking. It’s time for play and freedom.
4. Keep a Progress Journal
Instead of obsessing over flaws, record what you like about each piece. Celebrate growth, even in rough stages.
5. Embrace “Imperfect” Work
Not every piece will be your favorite. That’s okay. Each one teaches you something, even if the lesson is about letting go.
Affirmations to Quiet the Inner Critic
Here are some affirmations you can use as a gentle reminder to quiet the inner critic
- My art does not have to be perfect to be powerful.
- I honor progress over perfection.
- I am worthy of creating, exploring, and expressing myself freely.
- Mistakes are part of my growth, not proof of my failure.
- My creativity is a gift, and I choose to share it with courage.
Closing Reflection
Day 5 taught me that my art doesn’t have to silence Sheila completely, but I can choose when to invite her in and when to close the door. The inner critic is part of the process, but she isn’t the whole truth.
Sometimes, the bravest thing as an artist I can do is to say: “Thank you for your opinion, Sheila… but I’m still going to paint that, or I am leaving the painting as is.”
The inner critic may never disappear, but you can learn to paint, write, and create anyway, with courage, grace, and joy.
👉 I’d love to hear from you:
- Do you have a name for your inner critic?
- How do you quiet that voice when it gets too loud?
Share your thoughts in the comments, your story might help another creative who’s struggling with their own “Sheila.”
Want more daily reflections and tips from my 30-Day Reflection & Becoming Journal series? Subscribe and journey with me as I explore art, symbolism, and self-discovery.
🖼️ Looking to collect art that embodies resilience and beauty beyond perfection? Visit my portfolio to see available originals and prints.
Because your creativity deserves freedom, not permission from the critic.
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