The Inner Critic is the main source of our biggest blocks to perform at our best. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to banish the inner critic in order to do our best work as contributors, collaborators, and leaders. First, you’ll discover the three mental power tools that you already possess to stop the inner critic in its tracks. Then you’ll learn methods for dealing with the fear of being judged and criticized, how to transform highly critical self-talk into that of approval and encouragement, and ways to feel like your ideas are good enough and stop committing “ideacide.” By the end, you’ll have a roadmap of how to get unstuck, do your best work, and channel your creativity as a force for positive change in the world.

1. Unblock Creativity and
Amplify Your Impact
Denise Jacobs • Nonprofit Storytelling Conference •
San Diego, CA • 29 October 2019

2. Body Level One
Body Level Two
Body Level Three
Body Level Four
Body Level Five
@denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
#NPStoryConf
#byeinnercritic
@denisejacobs
@denisejacobsdotcom
GET YOUR SOCIAL ON

3. WHAT
BLOCKS
US?

4. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Success stories and
best practices
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gvahim/10455956145/

5. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
What about the
struggles?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/corneveaux/3248566797/

6. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
What blocks us from doing our best work?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/99301367@N00/8497106802/

7. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
In here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tiarescott/3211540197/

8. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
“Do I have what it takes?”
https://www.pexels.com/photo/adult-art-awakening-black-and-white-220210/

9. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
The inner critic
Photo source: Flickr

10. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Small voice
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gsmatthews/6184488858/

11. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Judgey committee
https://www.flickr.com/photos/laurabl/3322988460/

12. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
How can we show up
in our power?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/newamericanleadersproject/6959863273/

13. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
We can’t
https://www.pexels.com/photo/monochrome-photography-of-person-on-dark-room-1299417/

14. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Imagine…
Photo: UX Lisbon

15. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Imagine…
Photo: Denise Jacobs

16. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Imagine!
Photo: UX Lisbon

17. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
The inner critic is behind our
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7693102@N07/2536807562/

18. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Take a closer look
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lambdachialpha/203904103/

19. MEET
THE INNER
CRITIC

20. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Fundraising
takes a LOT
https://www.flickr.com/photos/byrawpixel/30849315347/

21. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Impostor syndrome runs rampant
among nonprofit fundraisers

22. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Inner critic gets stronger
as the stakes get higher

23. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
The inner critic blocks great
http://www.flickr.com/photos/richardwinchell/130344669/

24. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Creative flow = Power
http://www.flickr.com/photos/assbach/267598910/

25. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
What does Flow feel like?
T E L L M E :
https://unsplash.com/photos/ahi73ZN5P0Y

26. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Flow = No Inner Critic
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ableman/543078380/

27. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Give away our
power
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6D-O5ECr5EUow5jrck2A2A

28. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Fears about
ourselves
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tom_lin/3193080175/

29. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
+ Negative things
we’ve heard
https://www.flickr.com/photos/acerriteno/3484093813/

30. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Automatic
responses & habits
http://www.subliminal-online.tv/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/iceberg-english2-900x445.jpg

31. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Recognize your Inner Critical Voice
https://www.flickr.com/photos/12392252@N03/5698444246/

32. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Your Inner Critical Voice(s)
C R E AT I V E D O S E :
I’m not ___________________________ enough.
I can’t _________________ because I’m not as________________ as others.
I shouldn’t __________________ because I haven’t ________________.
I ____________________ because my ideas ____________________.
If I ____________________, then people will ____________________.

33. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Snowball Fight!
L E T ’ S D O T H I S :

34. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Don’t despair!

35. CREATE A
WHOLE NEW
MINDFRAME

36. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
We have (mental)
Power Tools
http://www.flickr.com/photos/techshop/2832912619/

37. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Neuroplasticity
https://www.flickr.com/photos/arselectronica/13994747444

38. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Your brain on habitual thoughts
https://pixabay.com/en/woods-forest-pathway-park-trail-768753/

39. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Attention & Focus
https://www.flickr.com/photos/77654185@N07/8428225936

40. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Mindfulness
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eldave/3065425105/

41. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Shift Focus
L E T ’ S D O T H I S :
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mazakar/2777932633/

42. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Self-Compassion
https://www.flickr.com/photos/samanthasteele/3983046067/

43. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Self-Compassion Template
C R E AT I V E D O S E :

44. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Silence self-doubt, own your
expertise, and do your best work
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeronimooo/9640105244/

45. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
1) Stop Self-Sabotage
2) Transform Self-Talk
3) Own Your Expertise
http://www.flickr.com/photos/boklm/486676439/
Three Steps

46. STOP SELF-
SABOTAGE

47. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
My basketball team

48. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Where’s
Denise?

49. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
( “Everyone will judge me for not
being awesome.
I’m going to be
a disappointment.” )

50. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Why me?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/janrito/2224039964/

51. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Imposition
Mentality
https://www.flickr.com/photos/bethscupham/7328405210

52. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Word Choice
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mythoto/3822942678/

53. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
“Your brain is like a
supercomputer, and your
self-talk is the program it
will run.”
- Jim Kwik, Founder of Kwik Learning and SuperheroYou

54. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf https://media.giphy.com/media/OmAdpbVnAAWJO/giphy.gif

55. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Say This, Not That
C R E AT I V E D O S E :
“I choose to/I get to”
“I want to”
“I will/I decide”
“When can I?”
“I have to”
“I ought to”
“I should”
“I must”

56. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Realize
when you
Awfulize
http://i.vimeocdn.com/video/507593067_1280x720.jpg

57. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Reframe #FAIL

58. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
1 Failure, 5 Positives
E X E R C I S E :

59. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Up-it with “And then…”
L E T ’ S D O T H I S !
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fragmented/2734290118/

60. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
I embraced it!

61. TRANSFORM
SELF-TALK

62. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
I was going to be
an author!
Photo: Denise Jacobs

63. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
I totally freaked out

64. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
I shouldn't be writing this
I misrepresented myself
I don't know enough
This should be someone else’s book
I’m going to look stupid
Everyone will see that I’m a fake
What if it's not good enough?
What if I'm not good enough?

65. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
“Your negative self-talk is
the No.1 barrier to
success.”
– Sara Blakely, Founder of Spanx

66. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Inner Critic = Self-talk gone awry
https://www.pexels.com/photo/thinking-environment-depressed-depression-54377/

67. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Self-talk Reboot
Creative Dose:

68. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Self-distancing
Creative Dose:

69. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Be Your Own Coach of Positivity
C R E AT I V E D O S E :
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Keeping_the_ball_in_their_court,_Marine_coaches_teach_kids_sports,_values_121103-M-
OB827-069.jpg

70. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Feel like an impostor?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/neogabox/4251913740

71. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
More outcomes
Photo: Dense Jacobs

72. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Don’t see
ourselves clearly

73. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Women are more
susceptible

74. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
As are nonprofit
fundraisers
https://www.flickr.com/photos/newamericanleadersproject/6960251221/

75. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
There’s paradox
with impostor syndrome
http://www.flickr.com/photos/x1brett/2279939232/

76. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Remember the Impostor Syndrome Paradox
C R E AT I V E D O S E :
You will only experience impostor
syndrome when you are
competent and skilled.
(re-read this as many times as necessary.)

77. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
“I’m really good at…”
L E T ’ S D O T H I S !

78. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
I wrote it!
Photo: Denise Jacobs

79. OWN
YOUR
EXPERTISE

80. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
A superstar line-up!
brandminds.ro

81. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Can I measure up?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/somjuan/2761338162/

82. Body Level One
Body Level Two
Body Level Three
Body Level Four
Body Level Five
- U N K N O W N
“You cannot compare your insides to someone
else’s outsides.”

83. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Know Your Uniqueness Advantage
C R E AT I V E D O S E :

84. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Are you committing
“ideacide”?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/allyaubryphotography/2443089993/

85. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Kill the culture of
“ideacide”

86. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
The “stupid” ideas
may be the best!
StartSometihingStupid.com

87. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Combining concepts

88. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Failed Superhero & Sidekick
E X E R C I S E :
h t t p s : / / w w w. f l i c k r. c o m / p h o t o s / t h e l o w r y / 1 4 4 6 3 0 5 2 3 6 2 /

89. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
I owned it!
Photo: BrandmInds 2019

90. STEP INTO
YOUR
POWER &
AMPLIFY
YOUR
IMPACT

91. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
A new mind-frame
https://www.flickr.com/photos/arselectronica/13994747444

92. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Transformed Self-talk
Creative Dose:

93. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Step in your
power
https://www.flickr.com/photos/drainrat/16666157505/

94. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Inner struggles will still exist
http://static.ipaustralia.com.au/store3/10/78/1078354.1.high.jpg

95. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Learning a whole
new approach

96. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Making the
donor the hero

97. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Unreasonable
standards
http://www.flickr.com/photos/diepuppenstubensammlerin/7648792510/

98. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Excellence≠Perfection
Creative Dose:

99. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
SUFFICIENT + SATISFACTORY =
SASTIFICE

100. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
What would you be able to do with
a banished inner critic?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rvm_71/5011353192/

101. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
“If I didn’t have an Inner Critic, I would…”
L E T ’ S D O T H I S !
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Before_I_die_I_want_to_write_an_album._(6123412737).jpg

102. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Just in case :)

103. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Didn’t believe it
possible
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mahalie/276780530/

104. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
A toolbox
https://www.pexels.com/photo/construction-work-carpenter-tools-3327/

105. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Now you can
make magic

106. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Tons more
tools in the
book!

107. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
The potential for
greatness
http://www.flickr.com/photos/onegiantleap/4124211492/

108. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Hold yourself
back?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/norbury/34413226423/

109. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Or be fully magnificent?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelbalint/8634008094/

110. @denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Step into your power and change the
world with your organizations!
https://pixabay.com/photos/raise-challenge-landscape-mountain-3338589/

111. Body Level One
Body Level Two
Body Level Three
Body Level Four
Body Level Five
@denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Want the slides? Go to
DeniseSlides.com

112. Title Text
• Body Level One
• Body Level Two
• Body Level Three
• Body Level Four
• Body Level Five
@denisejacobs / #byeinnercritic | #NPStoryConf
Continue the Conversation!
DeniseJacobs.com
denise@denisejacobs.com
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denisejacobsdotcom