Taking Control of Your Inner Critic

It's a Good Life31mMay 5, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

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.

Key Takeaways
1

Your inner critic is your most damaging voice—treat it like a guest you can control, not a dictator.

2

80% of your actions come from your non-conscious mind, so what you feed it matters profoundly.

3

Positive self-talk, journaling, and disciplined routines are essential tools to reprogram your inner narrative.

4

Physical health and energy are foundational to emotional resilience and mental clarity.

5

Social media should support, not replace, core business activities like client relationships and referrals.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

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.

Highlight
2:00
3 min

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.

5:00
5 min

From Negative to Positive: The John Gordon Story

The biggest work he had to do was internally.

Highlight
10:00
5 min

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.

Highlight
15:00
5 min

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.

High-Impact Quotes
You can’t be a positive influencer if you’re not first kind to yourself.
Brian Buffini28:54
Viral: 92.0
I have a worst critic, you have a worst critic, and I have a name for it. I call him meself.
Brian Buffini0:04
Viral: 90.0
I would rather you had coffee with someone. I'd rather you wrote five personal notes in a day.
Brian Buffini28:56
Viral: 88.0
Speakers

Host

Brian Buffini

Guests

Sam MusaLeslie Sullivan
Topics Discussed
inner critic95%self-talk90%legacy building88%mental resilience85%business systems82%positive psychology80%social media strategy78%digital wellness75%
People & Brands

Brian Buffini

person

25xPositive

Sam Musa

person

8xPositive

John Gordon

person

6xPositive

meself

other

5xNeutral

AI

other

4xNeutral

Shad Helmstetter

person

4xPositive

Leslie Sullivan

person

4xPositive

Buffini and Company

organization

3xPositive

YouTube

other

3xPositive

Julie Pergola

person

2xPositive

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