Taking Control of Your Inner Critic
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In this episode of 'It's a Good Life,' Brian Buffini dives deep into the powerful yet often destructive force of the inner critic, which he personifies as 'meself.' He argues that self-criticism is the most damaging voice we hear, far harsher than any external critic, and that we routinely say to ourselves things we would never tolerate from others. Drawing from personal anecdotes, psychological insights, and stories of transformation like John Gordon and Shad Helmstetter, Buffini emphasizes that our thoughts shape our reality—especially since 80% of our actions stem from the non-conscious mind. He advocates for intentional self-talk, disciplined routines, physical well-being, and curating our inputs (media, social content, news) to shift from a negative inner narrative to a positive, empowering one. The episode also features two guest segments: Sam Musa, who discusses the post-innovation plateau and the need for systems and legacy planning in business, and Leslie Sullivan, who questions the value of social media for real estate agents. Buffini advises that while social media has a supportive role, it should never replace core relationship-building and referral-based work. The overarching message is that true success comes from mastering your inner world before mastering your outer world.
Your inner critic is your most damaging voice—treat it like a guest you can control, not a dictator.
80% of your actions come from your non-conscious mind, so what you feed it matters profoundly.
Positive self-talk, journaling, and disciplined routines are essential tools to reprogram your inner narrative.
Physical health and energy are foundational to emotional resilience and mental clarity.
Social media should support, not replace, core business activities like client relationships and referrals.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introducing 'Meself' – Your Inner Critic
“I have a worst critic, you have a worst critic, and I have a name for it. I call him meself.”
The Power of Input: Garbage In, Garbage Out
Buffini explains how our unconscious mind absorbs everything we expose it to, and how negative self-talk can become self-fulfilling prophecy.
From Negative to Positive: The John Gordon Story
“The biggest work he had to do was internally.”
Shad Helmstetter and the Science of Self-Talk
“He helped people change what they said to themselves. He helped women all over the world change their self-image.”
The Modern Mind: Algorithms, Echo Chambers & AI
Buffini warns about the psychological dangers of social media algorithms and AI, which amplify negativity and create echo chambers that mirror our inner critic.
“You can’t be a positive influencer if you’re not first kind to yourself.”
“I have a worst critic, you have a worst critic, and I have a name for it. I call him meself.”
“I would rather you had coffee with someone. I'd rather you wrote five personal notes in a day.”
Host
Guests
Brian Buffini
person
Sam Musa
person
John Gordon
person
meself
other
AI
other
Shad Helmstetter
person
Leslie Sullivan
person
Buffini and Company
organization
YouTube
other
Julie Pergola
person
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