Why Is My Inner Critic Such A Jerk? Often, our internal dialogue is a mirror of external criticism from an authority figure. We carry this message with us and parent ourselves with similar beliefs. And even when we make amends, our inner critic doesn’t recognize it or give us much love. So how do we counteract that voice? The answer is our inner guide, our higher self, our inner cheerleader. This is the voice that puts things in perspective. It’s the one that reminds you that you have great qualities, that you don’t need to be with that guy to be happy, that you don’t need to run in the morning to be worthy, and that you are perfect exactly where you are in your journey.