How to Quiet Your Inner Critic and Boost Your Confidence at Work
How to Quiet Your Inner Critic and Boost Your Confidence at Work
I absolutely love what I do. Every day, I work with people I care deeply about—colleagues who share my values and customers who want to create positive, healthy, high-performing workplaces. It’s a joy. And yet…
That pesky inner critic? Still shows up. Loud. Unkind. Relentless.
You know the voice. The one that whispers:
“They’re going to realise you don’t belong here.”“Don’t apply for that job – you’re not good enough.”
“No point speaking up. You’ll just get it wrong.”
Even now, after years of coaching others and leading a successful business, my inner critic still tries to have its say. And it’s not just me—so many of the brilliant leaders, managers, and professionals we coach across the UK share the same struggle.
But here’s the good news…You can quiet the inner critic. You can strengthen your inner coach. You can grow your confidence.
At Boo Coaching & Consulting, our Caring for Yourself programme supports people to do just that. We help individuals understand how thoughts affect performance, wellbeing, and confidence—and how to take back control in a kind, evidence-based way.
So, in classic Boo style, here are five simple and practical ways to quiet your inner critic and feel more confident at work:
1. Would you say that to a friend?
If the answer is no—stop saying it to yourself. Harsh self-talk doesn’t make you more productive; it makes you feel small. Start replacing it with words rooted in compassion, not comparison.
2. Name it and tame it
The inner critic isn’t your truth. It’s a mix of old messages, past fears, and outdated beliefs. When it shows up, pause and ask: “Is this helpful?” or “Would I say this to someone else?” Shining a light on it makes it easier to manage.
3. Focus on what is working
Every evening, jot down three wins—big or small. It could be a great meeting, a kind message, or just remembering to eat lunch! This trains your brain to look for progress instead of perfection.
4. Look after yourself
Tired? Overwhelmed? That’s when the critic gets loudest. Find what refuels you—whether it’s sleep, a walk, a chat with someone who gets it, or a few deep breaths before the day begins. Your nervous system needs space to reset.
5. Build your bank of evidence
Keep a folder of lovely feedback, proud moments, kind words, and reminders of how far you’ve come. At Boo HQ, we’ve got a gratitude wall—cards, post-its, thank-yous. It’s a visual reminder that you are capable, worthy, and enough.
The inner critic might never fully disappear, but you can quiet it and turn up the volume on your inner coach instead. You’ve done hard things before—and you’ll do them again. You don’t have to go it alone.
If you’re ready to step into more confidence, clarity and calm—we’re here when you are.
With warmth,
Becci x
Connect with a Coach from Team Boo or if you are interested in empowering your workforce to have great wellbeing conversations that boost performance then email our team hello@boo-consulting.com
