The Inner Critic is the main source of our biggest blocks to perform at our best. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to banish the inner critic in order to do our best work as contributors, collaborators, and leaders. First, you’ll discover the three mental power tools that you already possess to stop the inner critic in its tracks. Then you’ll learn methods for dealing with the fear of being judged and criticized, how to transform highly critical self-talk into that of approval and encouragement, and ways to feel like your ideas are good enough and stop committing “ideacide.” By the end, you’ll have a roadmap of how to get unstuck, do your best work, and channel your creativity as a force for positive change in the world.

1. Reduce Anxiety, Unblock
Creativity, and Up-level Leadership
Denise Jacobs • SpeakAid •
20 April 2020

2. Body Level One
Body Level Two
Body Level Three
Body Level Four
Body Level Five
@denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
#SpeakAid #byeinnercritic
@denisejacobs
@denisejacobsdotcom
GET YOUR SOCIAL ON
@deniserjacobs

3. WHAT’S
BLOCKING
US?

4. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
So…a lot is
happening
right now
https://www.flickr.com/photos/corneveaux/3248566797/

5. Body Level One
Body Level Two
Body Level Three
Body Level Four
Body Level Five
@denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
VUCA
volatility
uncertainty
complexity
ambiguity

6. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
FUD =
Fear
Uncertainty
Doubt
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tom_lin/3193080175/

7. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Our inner critics
Photo source: Flickr

8. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Affects thinking
https://www.flickr.com/photos/falequin/8443342362/

9. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
The inner critic is a huge blocker
http://www.flickr.com/photos/richardwinchell/130344669/

10. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Mind &
perception
management
https://www.flickr.com/photos/anieto2k/15675189976/

11. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020 http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcymet/3564484236/
Creative & innovative thinking

12. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Lead powerfully
https://www.flickr.com/photos/newamericanleadersproject/6959863273/

13. MENTAL
MANAGEMENT

14. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
We can
control what’s
going on in
here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tiarescott/3211540197/

15. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
S.H.I.F.T.
C R E AT I V E D O S E :
Stay present:
Take several deep breaths to get yourself grounded and back into your body.
Have compassion:
Understand that you’re feeling scared and commit to giving yourself comforting messages.
Invoke mindfulness:
Realize that you are not your thoughts and that you have the power to observe them without reacting to them.
Focus attention:
Choose to place your attention on alternative thoughts.
Trust your ability to problem-solve:
Know that the creative part of you exists and it will come out when you relax.

16. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
We have (mental)
Power Tools
http://www.flickr.com/photos/techshop/2832912619/

17. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Neuroplasticity
https://www.flickr.com/photos/arselectronica/13994747444

18. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Attention & Focus
https://www.flickr.com/photos/77654185@N07/8428225936

19. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Mindfulness
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eldave/3065425105/

20. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Shift Focus
L E T ’ S D O T H I S :
Photo: Mind The Product SF 2019

21. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Self-Compassion
https://www.flickr.com/photos/samanthasteele/3983046067/

22. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Self-Compassion Template
C R E AT I V E D O S E :

23. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Reduce anxiety, boost creative problem-
solving, and own your expertise
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeronimooo/9640105244/

24. REDUCE
ANXIETY

25. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Know what throws
you off track

26. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Beware of comparisons!
Creative Dose:

27. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Social Media Intentionality
C R E AT I V E D O S E :

28. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Rumination

29. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Rumination Hand-Squeeze
C R E AT I V E D O S E :

30. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Word Choice
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mythoto/3822942678/

31. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020 https://media.giphy.com/media/OmAdpbVnAAWJO/giphy.gif

32. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Say This, Not That - part 1
C R E AT I V E D O S E :
“Unexpected”
“New”
“Cautious”
“Prepare”
“Temporary changes”
“This is unusual”
“Uncertain” —>
“Unprecedented” —>
“Scared” —>
“Panic” —>
“Trying times” —>
“This is crazy” —>
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9zXajnJpJw/

33. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Say This, Not That - part 2
C R E AT I V E D O S E :
“I choose to/I get to”
“I want to”
“I will/I decide”
“When can I?”
“I have to” —>
“I ought to” —>
“I should” —>
“I must” —>

34. UNBLOCK
CREATIVITY

35. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Idea flow
blocked
Photo: Denise Jacobs

36. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Work with your hands
C R E AT I V E D O S E :

37. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
My creativity exploded
Photos: Denise Jacobs

38. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Unblock creative-thinking
https://pixabay.com/en/paint-makeup-cracky-girl-cosmetics-2985569/

39. Body Level One
Body Level Two
Body Level Three
Body Level Four
Body Level Five
– B R U C E N U S S A U M , C R E AT I V I T Y I N T E L L I G E N C E
“Creativity is about recognizing patterns and
seeing connections.”

40. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
What’s in the box?
L E T ’ S D O T H I S !

41. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Kill the culture of
“ideacide”

42. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
The “stupid” ideas
may be the best!
StartSometihingStupid.com

43. OWN
YOUR
EXPERTISE

44. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Feel like an impostor?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/neogabox/4251913740

45. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Impostor syndrome runs rampant
among leaders and high achievers

46. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Inner critic gets stronger
as the stakes get higher

47. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Women are
highly susceptible

48. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
There’s paradox
with impostor syndrome
http://www.flickr.com/photos/x1brett/2279939232/

49. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Remember the Impostor Syndrome Paradox
C R E AT I V E D O S E :
You will only experience impostor
syndrome when you are
competent and skilled.
(re-read this as many times as necessary.)

50. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
“I’m really good at…”
L E T ’ S D O T H I S !

51. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Share Your Expertise
C R E AT I V E D O S E :

52. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
A stronger leader
http://www.flickr.com/photos/opensourceway/4387501000/

53. STEP INTO
YOUR
POWER &
LEAD
POWERFULLY

54. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Learning a whole
new approach

55. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
An improved
mind-frame +
Stepping into
your power
https://www.flickr.com/photos/drainrat/16666157505/

56. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Unreasonable
standards
http://www.flickr.com/photos/diepuppenstubensammlerin/7648792510/

57. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Inner struggles will still exist
http://static.ipaustralia.com.au/store3/10/78/1078354.1.high.jpg

58. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Excellence≠Perfection
Creative Dose:

59. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Satisfice It
C R E AT I V E D O S E :
https://www.flickr.com/photos/sleepyvalley/3650673328
SASTIFICE =
SUFFICIENT + SATISFACTORY

60. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
S.H.I.F.T.
C R E AT I V E D O S E :
Stay present:
Take several deep breaths to get yourself grounded and back into your body.
Have compassion:
Understand that you’re feeling scared and commit to giving yourself comforting messages.
Invoke mindfulness:
Realize that you are not your thoughts and that you have the power to observe them without reacting to them.
Focus attention:
Choose to place your attention on alternative thoughts.
Trust your ability to problem-solve:
Know that the creative part of you exists and it will come out when you relax.

61. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
What would you be able to do with
a banished inner critic?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rvm_71/5011353192/

62. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
“If I didn’t have an Inner Critic, I would…”
L E T ’ S D O T H I S !
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Before_I_die_I_want_to_write_an_album._(6123412737).jpg

63. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Didn’t believe it
possible
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mahalie/276780530/

64. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
A toolbox
https://www.pexels.com/photo/construction-work-carpenter-tools-3327/

65. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Show up stronger
in this new era

66. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Tons more
tools in my
book!

67. Body Level One
Body Level Two
Body Level Three
Body Level Four
Body Level Five
@denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Want the slides? Go to
DeniseSlides.com

68. Body Level One
Body Level Two
Body Level Three
Body Level Four
Body Level Five
@denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
My courses on LinkedIn Learning
Go to
linkedin-learning.pxf.io/DeniseJacobs

69. Title Text
• Body Level One
• Body Level Two
• Body Level Three
• Body Level Four
• Body Level Five
@denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #SpeakAid2020
Continue the Conversation!
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