Every business owner — whether just starting out or years in — hears two voices in their head.
One says, “You’ve got this.”
The other says, “Who do you think you are?”
One encourages you to take action.
The other makes you second-guess every move.
These are your Inner Coach and Inner Critic. And most of us?
We’re so used to the critic’s voice, we don’t even realize it’s running the show.
We tell ourselves it’s “realistic” or “motivating” — but all it really does is keep us stuck, small, and burnt out.
The good news? You can shift that voice.
This post will help you:
- Spot the subtle signs of your Inner Critic
- Hear the voice of your Inner Coach more clearly
- Reframe negative self-talk before it derails your day
Let’s help you build a business guided by trust, not fear.
Meet Your Inner Critic
The Inner Critic is loud, sneaky, and persistent.
It doesn’t always scream — sometimes it whispers. But its message is usually the same:
“You’re not ready.”
“You’re behind.”
“You’re not good enough.”
This voice sounds like it’s protecting you, but it’s actually keeping you small.
Common Phrases from the Inner Critic
- “You should know this already.”
- “You’re going to mess this up.”
- “Someone else is doing it better.”
- “Why would anyone listen to you?”
- “Don’t post that — it’s not perfect.”
How It Shows Up in Business
- Perfectionism: Waiting until everything is flawless before launching or sharing
- Procrastination: Avoiding tasks that feel uncomfortable or risky
- Overthinking: Spending more time doubting than doing
- Imposter Syndrome: Constantly feeling like a fraud despite your wins
The Inner Critic feeds off fear — fear of failure, judgment, rejection.
And when that fear drives your decisions, your business suffers.
But here’s the truth: You are not your Inner Critic. You’re just used to listening to it.
Let’s meet the voice you want leading your business — your Inner Coach.
Meet Your Inner Coach
If the Inner Critic keeps you stuck in fear, the Inner Coach moves you forward with clarity.
This is the voice that’s calm, grounded, and quietly confident.
It doesn’t shout — but it knows your potential.
Where the critic says, “Don’t try, you might fail,” the coach says,
“Let’s try — and learn something either way.”
What Your Inner Coach Sounds Like:
- “Progress matters more than perfection.”
- “You’ve figured out hard things before — you’ll figure this out too.”
- “You don’t need to have all the answers to take the next step.”
- “One post, one pitch, one win at a time — that’s how momentum builds.”
How It Shows Up in Business:
- Making decisions from alignment, not anxiety
- Giving yourself grace when things don’t go as planned
- Taking action even when things feel uncertain
- Celebrating effort and learning — not just results
Your Inner Coach isn’t delusional. It just believes in your ability to grow.
And when that’s the voice leading your day? Everything from content to client calls to tough choices becomes lighter — and more powerful.
How to Tell Who’s Driving the Bus (Critic vs. Coach Check-In)
Most of us don’t realize which voice we’re following — we’re just reacting.
But if you pause and check in, you’ll usually find the answer quickly.
Here’s how to spot whether your Inner Critic or Inner Coach is steering the wheel:
Ask Yourself These 3 Questions:
- “Is this voice moving me forward — or keeping me stuck?”
Your Inner Coach inspires progress. Your Inner Critic hits the brakes. - “Would I say this to someone I care about?”
If it’s too harsh, shaming, or panicked — it’s probably your critic. - “Is this fear talking, or wisdom?”
Fear often sounds urgent, judgmental, and binary.
Wisdom sounds calm, curious, and flexible.
A Simple Practice
Next time you’re second-guessing a post, doubting your offer, or spiraling into overthinking — pause and ask: “Who’s driving this decision right now — the Critic or the Coach?”
Even just recognizing the voice gives you back your power to choose differently.
When you know who’s in the driver’s seat, you get to take the wheel.
Reframe in Real-Time: From Critic to Coach
You can’t always silence your Inner Critic — but you can learn to talk back.
Reframing is the practice of noticing a limiting thought and gently shifting it into something more helpful.
Not toxic positivity. Not denial.
Just truth with compassion.
Common Critic Thoughts → Inner Coach Reframes
| Critic Says | Coach Reframes It As |
| “I have no idea what I’m doing.” | “I’m learning — and that’s part of growth.” |
| “I’m behind.” | “I’m on my timeline, and I’m making progress.” |
| “This post isn’t good enough.” | “Done is better than perfect — someone needs this.” |
| “They’re doing it better than me.” | “Their path is different. Mine is unfolding, too.” |
| “I failed.” | “That didn’t work, but I’m one step wiser now.” |
Tips to Build the Reframe Habit
- Write down your top 3 recurring critic thoughts — and prep a reframe for each
- Use sticky notes on your desk with go-to coach reminders
- Say the reframe out loud — it makes it more real and grounding
- Journal it out when your thoughts feel loud (5 minutes is enough)
The more you practice, the faster your brain builds a new default — one that’s kinder, stronger, and way more sustainable.
Build a Daily Inner Coach Habit
Just like physical strength, mindset strength comes from daily reps. The goal isn’t to silence your Inner Critic forever — it’s to make your Inner Coach the louder, stronger voice over time.
Here are a few low-effort ways to make that happen:
- Start Your Day with a Coach Prompt
Ask yourself: “What would my Inner Coach say about today?”
This one question shifts your tone from pressure to perspective before the day even begins.
- End with a Quick Reflection
Each evening, jot down: “Where did I lead with self-trust today?”
No matter how small — honoring one win trains your brain to recognize progress.
- Record an “Inner Coach Voice Note”
Create a short audio note reminding yourself of what’s true when you’re calm and clear — then replay it when you’re spiralling. Your own voice can become your anchor.
- Create a “Coach Corner” in Your Notes App or Journal
List your favourite reframes, mantras, and reminders. Open it when the critic starts getting loud.
Small shifts daily → big mindset rewrites over time.
You don’t have to change everything overnight — just start choosing the voice that leads you forward.
Final Thoughts: You Get to Choose the Voice You Lead With
You’ll never fully get rid of your Inner Critic — and that’s okay.
The goal isn’t silence. It’s discernment.
Every day, you get to decide who you listen to.
The voice that doubts your abilities — or the one that reminds you of your growth.
The voice that holds you back — or the one that helps you move forward.
You don’t need to be fearless to succeed.
You just need to stop letting fear have the final say.
So next time you feel stuck, spiralling, or second-guessing?
Pause. Breathe. And ask yourself: “What would my Inner Coach say right now?”
Then lead from there.
