Write Like Nobody’s Watching: How to Silence Your Inner Critic
Every writer has been there, staring at a blank page, fingers hovering over the keyboard, paralyzed by the fear of not being good enough. That nagging voice in your head tells you you’re writing isn’t strong, your ideas aren’t original, and that you’re wasting your time. This may not be exactly your critic’s exact message gibberish, but probably some it rings true.
Meaning, that’s more than likely what’s holding you back. You need to put your critic on ‘a temporary leave,’ and bring it back when it’s time to edit.
Your best writing happens when you silence that voice and let your creativity flow. Writing like nobody’s watching allows you to break free from self-doubt, perfectionism, and the need for external validation. It when you start to have fun writing. How can you do that?
Acknowledge Your Inner Critic Exists – Your inner critic thrives on attention. The more you engage with it, the louder it becomes. Instead of trying to fight or reason with it, simply acknowledge its presence, tell it it’s time will come, and move forward. If it doesn’t go away, which usually it won’t, imagine it as background noise—like a distant car alarm. It’s there, but you don’t have to focus on it.
Set a Timer and Write Without Stopping – One of the best ways to bypass your inner critic is to write in sprints. Set a timer for 10–20 minutes and write continuously, without editing or second-guessing. The goal is to keep moving forward. When you don’t allow yourself time to critique as you go, you give your creative brain the space it needs to work its magic.
Write for Yourself First – Forget about the reader. Forget about what people might think. Write as if no one will ever see it. When you remove the pressure of an audience, your writing becomes more authentic, raw, and powerful. You can always refine and edit later, but the first draft is for you and you alone.
Be Kind to Yourself – Sometimes, simply giving yourself permission to write a terrible first draft is enough to quiet your inner critic. Before you begin, tell yourself, “This is only for my first draft and ‘for my eyes only.’ Your gentle mindset lowers the stakes and makes it easier to get started.
Change How You View Mistakes – Your inner critic feeds on perfectionism, but mistakes are not failures. As any successful writer will tell you, they’re part of the process. Hemingway to King has written bad sentences, scenes, and even entire drafts. The difference is that they keep writing despite their doubts. They know that writing is rewriting. Your first draft isn’t supposed to be perfect; it’s just supposed to give you something to get your thoughts out and edit, like a sculptor.
Ready? – Find an environment where you feel comfortable and free from judgment. Whether it’s a quiet room, a noisy coffee shop, or a corner in a favorite space with your soft music playing, choose a place that makes writing feel enjoyable. The more relaxed you are, the easier it is to let go of your inner critic. This will condition you to get into a creative mindset by developing a pre-writing ritual. A simple routine signals your brain that it’s time to create, making it easier to bypass negative thoughts.
Separate Writing and Editing – Writing and editing require different mindsets. When you try to edit while you write, your inner critic takes control, slowing you down and stifling creativity. Instead, allow yourself to write freely in the first stage and only edit later, when you can approach your work with a more objective eye. Think of your critic as your brakes and your creativity as the gas pedal. If you have your feet on both, you go nowhere. Only apply the brakes, or invite your critic in, when you want to edit.
Why do You Write? – Is it because you love storytelling? Because you have something to say? Because it brings you joy? Reconnecting with your “why” can help drown out your inner critic and reignite your passion for writing. The only way to truly silence your inner critic is to prove it wrong. The more you write despite its criticism, the weaker its influence becomes. Over time, you’ll realize that the voice in your head isn’t telling the truth—it’s just fear in disguise.
So, write like nobody’s watching. Because in the end, your voice, your stories, and your words matter. And the only way to bring them to life is to keep writing!
Enjoy!
Jasmyne