The Inner Critic vs. Intuition: How to tell the difference
Sometimes it feels like we’re being pulled in two different directions inside ourselves. One voice questions everything we do; the other seems to have a good sense as to what feels right for us. Learning to tell the difference between your inner critic and your intuition is one of the most significant first steps toward building greater self-trust and emotional resilience. Here's how you can start tuning in, without tearing yourself down.
Inner Critic and Intuition, what’s the difference?
Your inner critic is the harsh, judgmental voice that picks at what you may believe to be a flaw, it magnifies your doubts and often gives you that feeling of not being "enough" in some way or another. It tends to come from internalised messages, whether from childhood, society, or past experiences and it thrives on fear, comparison and shame.
Intuition, on the other hand, can be the quieter, more grounded part of you that simply knows. It doesn't yell or criticise. It gently guides you toward what feels right for you, even if the choice isn't the easiest one. Intuition isn't about fear or urgency, it's about inner alignment.
How They Feel Different
One of the clearest ways to distinguish between your critic and your intuition is by paying attention to how the message feels:
The inner critic often feels sharp, anxious, urgent, or heavy. It’s the voice that pushes you to doubt, criticise, or second-guess yourself.
Intuition feels calmer, steady, and neutral. Even when it’s warning you away from something, it tends to do so without harshness or panic.
If a thought feels like it’s shaming or rushing you, it’s most likely your inner-critic. If it feels like it’s calmly nudging you toward or away from something, it’s likely your intuition.
Where These Voices Come From
The inner critic is usually shaped by the world around us: expectations we absorbed growing up, experiences of rejection, perfectionism, or societal pressure. It tries to protect us, but often in ways that end up limiting or hurting us.
Intuition, by contrast, comes from within. It's connected to your authentic self: the part of you that knows what you value, what you want and what you need to feel whole.
How the Inner Critic Commonly Shows Up
It’s not always obvious when the critic is running the show. Here are a few familiar disguises:
Perfectionism: "You’re not ready yet. You’ll fail."
Impostor Syndrome: "You’re not as capable as everyone thinks."
Fear of Failure: "Why even try? You’ll just mess it up."
People-Pleasing: "You have to keep everyone happy - even if it costs you."
Recognising these patterns is a powerful first step toward loosening the critic’s grip.
Practical Ways to Tune Into Your Intuition
When you're facing a decision or feeling stuck, try these strategies:
Pause and Listen: Notice the tone of the inner voice. Is it anxious and harsh, or calm and steady?
Body Check: Intuition often feels like a physical lightness or clarity. The critic usually shows up as tension, tightness, or dread.
Question the Voice: Ask, "Is this thought helping me grow, or is it trying to shut me down?"
Journal It Out: Sometimes writing the thoughts down helps separate fear from genuine guidance based on intuition.
The goal isn't to eliminate the inner critic entirely, it's to recognise it, understand it, and choose whether or not to listen.
Why This Matters
When we live under the rule of the inner critic, we often end up second-guessing ourselves, holding back and feeling disconnected from what we really want. Strengthening your connection to intuition helps you move through life with more self-trust, clarity and purpose.
When Support Can Help
If your inner critic feels overwhelming or if you struggle to hear your intuition at all, working with a counsellor can create a space to untangle where those critical voices came from. It can help to build a stronger, more compassionate connection with yourself.
