Get to know the characters of Selves.
Deepen your self-reflection, get inspiration for your coaching work, discover the system of Selves, and take a look behind the scenes.
This month’s character is the Critic.
How is your relationship with your inner Critic?
Is she an annoying actor of sabotage or a strong inner ally?
What are her most common phrases and judgements?
Can you put her on hold or does she take center stage?
I think the Critic was the first character I drew back in 2015, with ink on paper, for the Unsticking Game card deck that was the first prototype of Selves. I created the character instinctively, without any sketches. I guess she is familiar to you. We’ve all had a similar person in our lives: a Mrs. Smith or Aunt Jane who, as a physics teacher / neighbour / strict family member, watched our every move, waiting for us to make a mistake so she could criticize us.
Maggie Smith played Professor McGonagall brilliantly in the Harry Potter films – it’s as if I used her as a model for the character of the Critic. In her case, however, her strict exterior hides a sensitive heart and deeply rooted loyalty.
I think everyone on the journey of their inner work is familiar with the character of the inner Critic. Hers is often the strongest voice in our inner team, scrutinizing our every action, decision, and spontaneous impulse with a strict eye. She often prompts us to criticize in others what actually bothers us in ourselves. Most of the time this happens subconsciously, and it requires active self-reflection to recognize this pattern.
The following questions can help you get started working with your inner Critic:
Let's see where the Critic is located in the system of Selves.
The Enneagram-type of the Critic is one, the Reformer.
Enneagram type ones can be purposeful, principled, idealistic and conscientious, but they can also be perfectionist, strict, rigid, narrow-minded.
The Critic’s spiral dynamics level is blue.
Blue is about rules and roles, respecting the traditions and formal hierarchies. The core values of blue are order, discipline and obedience to superiors.
How do you relate to the character of the Critic?
Share your thoughts in the comments section of related posts on the Selves’ Facebook or Instagram channels, or send me an email at hello@selvescards.com.
I look forward to reading your thoughts.
Réka Livits, the Creator of Selves