Introduction: How I discovered the critic and found a way out
Part 1. The critic: the big picture. Change is possible: Neuroplasticity and the power of choice / Practice: Looking on the bright side
You are not alone: The epidemic of self-judgment / Practice: Noticing the critic everywhere
Imposter syndrome: If they really knew who I am / Practice: Recognizing imposter syndrome
Thief of peace: The critic as the cause of low self-esteem / Practice: Correcting the inner balance sheet
You are not your fault: Not taking your thoughts personally / Practice: Not taking it personally
How did I get here? The origin and function of the critic / Practice: Understanding the origin of the critic
In the critic's defense: Understanding the critic's point of view / Practice: Unearthing the truth
From judgment to discernment: Mistaken loyalty to the critic / Practice: Replacing judgment with discernment
Part 2. Understanding self-judgment. It's about you, stupid! How the critic attacks your innate value / Practice: Connecting with your inherent value
The mantra of "not enough": Knowing when enough is enough / Practice: Cultivating gratitude
20/20 hindsight: How the critic fuels regret / Practice: Letting go of regrets
The inner boardroom: Understanding the voices in your head / Practice: Identifying your inner boardroom
The critic's revolving door: What goes out must go in / Practice: Finding the positive in others
The impact of the critic: How judgments affect us / Practice: Reducing the impact of judgments
It's all your fault: Understanding the critic in relationships / Practice: Examining the critic in your relationships.
Part 3. How to work mindfully with the critic. Mindfulness: The power of awareness / Practice: Cultivating mindfulness
Hello judgments: Realizing judgments are just thoughts / Practice: Recognizing your judging thoughts
Teflon mind: The power of nonidentification / Practice: Not identifying with your judging thoughts
Keep it in the family: Recognizing the origins of the critic / Practice: Identifying the critic's voice
The joke is on you: Seeing the funny side of the critic / Practice: Finding humor in the critic
Reality check: Are your judgments really true? / Practice: Questioning the critic's views
Sorry, I'm not interested: Living with disinterest in the critic / Practice: Cultivating disinterest in the critic
Part 4: The power of love. Befriending yourself: You are not your enemy / Practice: Healing your inner wounds
The power of vulnerability: The hidden strength of the heart / Practice: Opening yourself to vulnerability
The power of love: Turning from self-hatred to self-kindness / Practice: Cultivating self-kindness
Transforming pain: Moving from self-harm to self-compassion / Practice: Developing self-compassion
Giving up hope of a better past: From self-blame to self-forgiveness / Practice: Fostering self-forgiveness
Part 5. Beyond the critic. Inclining toward happiness: Paying attention to the good / Practice: Reassessing your self-perception
Who are you? Seeing the good in others / Practice: "Just like me" meditation
Inner peace: A life beyond the critic / Practice: Noticing the peace between thoughts
The critic toolbox: Defending yourself against judgments.
The Critic: The Big Picture
Understanding Self-Judgment
How to Work Mindfully with the Critic