🔕 THE OVERTHINKING TRAP

At the end of this email you’ll know the following:

• The truth about your inner critic

• Using Stoic self-talk to silence it

Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 59 seconds

(In the last email we talked about using Stoic Hacks for Peak Performance. To read it click here.)

Hey champ,

Do you ever feel like the voice inside your head is your worst enemy?

It’s like a drill sergeant on a bad day…

Barking orders, belittling your efforts, and leaving you feeling like a deflated gladiator.

We all have that inner critic…

That persistent voice whispering (or sometimes shouting) doubts and negativity.

It can be especially loud for ambitious guys like you, constantly pushing yourself to achieve and conquer.

But here's the thing: 

That voice doesn't have to control you.

Imagine this:

You're about to deliver a presentation.

Suddenly, a voice whispers, “You'll fumble your words, everyone will judge you, it'll be a disaster.”

Your heart races,

Palms sweat,

And...

Poof! 

Your carefully prepared message crumbles under the pressure.

Not exactly the motivational boost you were looking for, right?

But what if you could reframe that voice? 

Instead of a drill sergeant, picture a wise mentor.

They see your struggle, but instead of yelling, they offer encouragement:

"Feel the adrenaline? Good! It fuels your passion. Remember the countless hours you poured into this message? Trust your preparation." 

Suddenly, the negativity melts away, replaced by focus and determination.

That's the power of Stoic self-talk.

TRIVIA TIME

Studies suggest the average person has 60,000 thoughts per day.

^{Note: The true figure varies for each person. But understanding the potential commonness of negativity can help you appreciate the importance of learning to manage your Inner Critic.}

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SILENCE THE INNER CRITIC.

♠️ STOIC SELF-TALK

This isn't some mystical power.

It's the wisdom of Stoicism, an ancient philosophy that teaches mental mastery.

Stoics like Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor, faced immense pressure.

Their secret?

Transforming their inner dialogue.

They replaced negativity with reason and self-compassion.

So, how do we silence the inner critic and cultivate this stoic self-talk?

1. Recognize the loops: 

The first step is awareness.

When that negative voice starts its rant, pause and observe.

Is it repeating the same old script?

Is it focused on things outside your control?

By understanding its patterns, you can break free from its cycle.

2. Challenge the negativity: 

Don't simply accept its statements as truth.

Question them.

Are they based on reality or fear?

Is the critic helping you grow or holding you back?

This simple act of questioning can be a powerful AHA! moment.

3. Reframe the narrative: 

Instead of dwelling on what's wrong, shift your focus to what's right.

Acknowledge your strengths, celebrate your achievements, and remind yourself of your values.

This positive reframing rewires your brain to see the world through a more empowering lens.

4. Practice gratitude: 

Take time each day to appreciate the good things in your life, big and small.

Gratitude shifts your perspective from lack to abundance, fostering a sense of contentment and inner peace.

5. Surround yourself with positivity: 

Seek out supportive communities, mentors, and friends who uplift and inspire you.

Their positive energy will rub off, drowning out the negativity of your inner critic.

6. Practice, Practice, Practice: 

Like any skill, Stoic self-talk takes time and effort.

But the more you practice, the more that AHA! moment arrives, where you realize you've silenced the critic and empowered yourself.

WRAPPING UP.

♠️ TAKE CONTROL

Remember, silencing the inner critic isn't about becoming a robot.

It's about taking control of your inner dialogue and choosing thoughts that empower you, not hinder you. 

So ditch the drill sergeant, embrace the wise mentor, and watch your potential unfold.

As always, thanks for reading, and keep grinding. ♠️

Your #1 fan,

- Elevate Start

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Soon you will get rewarded for it as well 👀

Thanks again,

- Elevate Start

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