The Moment I Realized I Was My Biggest Opponent

Written By Developer Designer

Years ago, long before I ever stepped onto a stage, I found myself sitting in an online course designed for professional athletes trying to step into a new chapter. I had just retired from college coaching, and I felt completely stuck — like the only thing I was ever good at was basketball.

Then the facilitator asked us to write down our excuses… our alibis… the reasons we weren’t taking our next step.

It hit me like a punch to the gut: I realized as I began writing I was the one holding myself back. Not a lack of skills. Not a lack of experience. Not the world.
Me — my inner critic.
The story I was telling myself.

The excuses I was giving myself permission to have.

That realization became the turning point. I started studying my own mind, learning how to shift my thinking, treating myself with more compassion and grace. And once I put in the work and started to feel that shift in my life, I knew I had to teach it.

That’s what pushed me onto a stage — one of the scariest places for me to be. And after years of keynotes, people kept asking:
“What’s next? How can we go deeper? How do we stay connected?”

The answer became my new online course, Crush the Inner Critic; Transforming Self-Talk for Professional Success. A place for female professionals to learn the tools, celebrate small wins, share real stories, and stay in the work together.

It’s taken over a year to build (and still a constant work in progress)… but it’s finally here.

One Truth:

If there’s one truth I want to offer you today, it’s this:
Your inner critic isn’t a sign that you’re broken. It’s a sign that you’re human.

The voice that tells you you’re not ready or not qualified isn’t the truth… it’s a habit.
And habits can be rewired.

The first step is awareness — recognizing that the loudest voice in your mind might not be the most accurate one. The stories we tell ourselves either limit us or liberate us. And you get to choose which path you’re on.

This Weeks Mindset Fuel 

Below is some additional resources that might be helpful in Crushing your Inner Critic:

📘Book: 

The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery — Brianna Wiest

Learn more

Wiest dives deep into why we hold ourselves back, how old identities keep us stuck, and how to turn awareness into action. Her core message mirrors exactly what you described — the idea that we are often our own biggest obstacle, and the habits and stories we cling to can be unlearned.

🎥Ted Talk:

Brené Brown — “The Power of Vulnerability”

Learn more

Brené explains why vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s courage. This talk reframed how I saw bravery and connection, and it continues to ground me in my own work.

🎧Podcast:

The Mel Robbins Podcast — Episode: “How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over” (Sept 2022)

Learn more

Mel breaks down the inner critic, the brain’s fear response, and the way our own thoughts become our biggest alibis. She explains how to interrupt self-doubt and take action even when the voice in your head feels loud.

Fear Means It’s Go Time: Action Step

Name one story you’re telling yourself that might be holding you back.
Write it down. Awareness is the first domino.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into transforming your self-talk and shifting the stories that guide your life, Crush the Inner Critic is open. You can join here: Crush the Inner Critic; Transforming Self Talk for Professional Success.

I built this work because I needed it myself.
And I’m grateful you’re here walking this road with me.

Courage Up

-Missy

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