Unmasking the Inner Critic

Explore the archetypes of the Imposter, the People Pleaser, and the Outsider.

Reviewed by Gary Drevitch

Key points

• Recognizing these archetypes helps women overcome limiting beliefs and silence an inner critic.
• The Imposter feels unworthy of success which fosters self-doubt and avoidance of new opportunities.
• The People Pleaser seeks approval, sacrificing personal needs, which can lead to burnout.
• The Outsider feels isolated and inadequate, believing they must work harder for acceptance.

In the first post in this series on inner-critic archetypes, we explored how deeply ingrained narratives shape our thoughts and impact our self-perception. These archetypes are universal representations, patterns that resonate across experiences and help us better understand the complex nature of self-doubt, self-criticism, and the external pressures many women face.

In my book Women Rising, I delve into 13 unique archetypes, each reflecting societal expectations, personal fears, and unconscious beliefs that influence how we think, feel, and act. By recognising these archetypes, we start to see the stories that hold us back and learn how to transform them.

In this post, we’ll look the next three archetypes: The Imposter, The People Pleaser, and The Outsider. Each of these personas offers a glimpse into the fears and self-doubt that shape our choices. By unmasking them, we can take the first steps toward reclaiming our confidence and power.

The Imposter: “Who Am I to Do That?”

The Imposter lives with persistent self-doubt, believing that any success is due to luck rather than personal capability. This archetype downplays accomplishments and hesitates to share ideas, convinced that they’d quickly be “found out” as a fraud. The Imposter frequently feels unqualified and assumes others are more capable or deserving, which stifles ambition and limits potential.

The Imposter’s inner critic relentlessly feeds self-doubt and fear of exposure, holding them back from seizing new opportunities and embracing their successes. This inner narrative distorts accomplishments, making them feel undeserved and fuelling a cycle of undervaluing oneself.

Key Reflection Questions

• Do you avoid new opportunities due to self-doubt, despite past successes?
• Do you struggle to accept praise, often minimising your achievements?
• Has imposter syndrome affected your confidence and well-being?

Transforming the Imposter

Transforming the Imposter involves embracing accomplishments and building self-confidence. Recognise that your achievements are a result of your own efforts and abilities. Acknowledge your hard work, replace self-critical thoughts with affirmations, and take pride in the journey that brought you to where you are.

The People Pleaser: “I Want Them to Like Me”

The People Pleaser is driven by a deep desire for approval, often prioritising others’ needs over their own. This archetype fears letting people down and constantly seeks validation, even at personal expense. Saying “no” feels impossible, and the People Pleaser often compromises their own needs to keep everyone happy.

The People Pleaser’s inner critic fosters a need for external validation, urging them to put others first to feel valued and accepted. This self-sacrificing voice leads to burnout, as the People Pleaser struggles to set boundaries and feels responsible for others’ happiness.

Key Reflection Questions

• Do you regularly put others’ needs before your own, even to your detriment?
• Are you reluctant to say “no,” fearing disappointment or rejection?
• Is your sense of value dependent on others’ approval?

Transforming the People Pleaser

Transforming the People Pleaser starts with setting healthy boundaries and prioritising self-care. Practice saying “no” without guilt, and recognise that your worth is not tied to others’ approval. Embrace self-validation and start celebrating your own needs, knowing they are just as important.

The Outsider: “I Don’t Belong Here”

The Outsider often feels different or excluded in certain environments, especially in situations where they are a minority. This archetype feels a strong need to prove themselves, working extra hard to gain acceptance and avoid judgment. Despite their efforts, they frequently feel isolated, unworthy, or on the “outside looking in.”

The Outsider’s inner critic emphasises their differences, creating a sense of inadequacy and self-doubt. It convinces them that they must constantly prove themselves to be accepted, making it difficult to relax, share their true selves, or feel confident in new environments.

Key Reflection Questions

• Do you feel out of place or worry about acceptance in certain environments?
• Do you feel like you need to work harder than others to gain approval?
• Do you ever feel less confident when you are different from those around you?

Transforming the Outsider

Transforming the Outsider involves celebrating your unique qualities and cultivating confidence in your authentic self. Embrace your strengths, and recognise that your differences are assets, not flaws. Find communities where you feel valued, and build resilience against self-doubt by grounding your worth in your unique perspective.

Conclusion

These archetypes represent common narratives that many women grapple with. By understanding each one, we take a significant step toward untangling the stories that hold us back. The journey of self-awareness and growth is ongoing, but as we recognise and challenge these archetypes, we make space for a more authentic, empowered version of ourselves. In the next part of this series, we’ll unmask more archetypes, empowering you to take control of your narrative and silence the inner critic.