Silence Your Inner Critic with Journaling: My Go-To Questions for Overthinking

Create Yourself - Practical Activities for Self-discovery, Transformation and change.

I’m diving deep into how journaling can be one of the most powerful tools to silence your inner critic, gain clarity, and manage overthinking. Whether you're going through a tough time or just feeling stuck, journaling allows you to take a step back and reflect on your thoughts. As a therapist and journal coach, I’ve used journaling for years—both for myself and with my clients. It’s a way to become more self-aware, gain perspective, and uncover the answers that are already within you. Journaling is a simple yet incredibly effective tool for self-discovery and personal growth. When you know how to ask yourself the right questions, your journal can become your greatest ally in navigating challenges and living a life that feels true to who you really are. 💭 The 4 Key Questions to Ask When You’re Overthinking or Feeling Self-Doubt: 1. Is this true? This question is designed to help you challenge your thoughts. Sometimes we believe things without questioning if they are based on reality or just our own fears and assumptions. 2. Is this a fact? Asking this helps you get clear on whether your thoughts are factual. Are they backed by evidence, or are they just beliefs? Imagine your thoughts being presented in a court of law—would they stand up? 3. Is there another way of looking at this situation? This question encourages you to shift your perspective. What’s another angle? Could there be something you’re missing? Shifting your viewpoint can unlock new insights. 4. What would I say to a good friend in a similar situation? We’re often much kinder and more supportive to others than we are to ourselves. Journaling Prompts for Self-Reflection and Overcoming Overthinking If you're struggling with overthinking or your inner critic is being especially loud, here are some *journal prompts* to help guide your writing and process your thoughts: 1. What is my inner critic telling me right now? How does it make me feel? 2. What evidence do I have to support or refute these thoughts? 3. What are some possible alternative perspectives on this situation? 4. How can I be more compassionate with myself in this moment? 5. What do I want to believe about myself or this situation? 6. What action can I take to challenge my inner critic today? These prompts are designed to help you take a closer look at your thoughts and break the cycle of negativity. Just writing them down can bring clarity and create emotional distance from the thoughts that weigh you down. Why Journaling Works Journaling creates the space for you to step back and become the observer of your thoughts. It’s a way to detach yourself from the overwhelming feelings that come with overthinking and self-doubt. By getting your thoughts down on paper, you give yourself room to see the bigger picture and find a more grounded perspective. Writing out your thoughts allows you to unpack and unpick them. You’ll find there’s always another way of looking at a situation, and that shift in perspective can change *everything*. Over time, you’ll learn to reframe your inner critic’s voice and start believing in yourself more. The truth is, thoughts are just thoughts. It’s the power we give them that makes them feel so real. When you write them out, you reduce their power and take back your control. Who I Am: I’m Kay Holdsworth, a therapist and journal coach who helps women create a life that is a true reflection of who they are. Through coaching, journaling, and creativity, I offer practical tools and activities for self-discovery, transformation, and personal growth. Website - https://www.kayholdsworth.com/ 📸 Instagram: / kay.holdsworth 📘 Facebook: / kaylholdsworth 💼 LinkedIn: / kayholdsworth 🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast... I’d love to hear from you! If this video resonated with you, be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more content on **journaling**, **self-discovery**, and **personal growth**.