4 Things NOT to Say to Your Inner Critic

Have you ever told yourself, “I’m not talented enough to be a great singer,” or “I’ll only perform when I feel 100% ready”? If so, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not stuck. In this episode, we're uncovering four common thoughts that could be holding you back and how to reframe them so you can start building vocal confidence and finally sing with freedom—especially in public, if that’s something you dream of.

#1: “I’ll Sing in Public When It’s Perfect”

Let’s get one thing straight: singing in public doesn’t mean a sold-out concert or a huge stage. It simply means letting someone else hear you—your best friend in the car, your family in the kitchen, or a small crowd at a birthday or karaoke night. So many singers hold back from these moments because they’re waiting for perfection. But here’s the truth: perfection doesn’t build experience—experience builds confidence.
Instead of thinking, “I’ll sing in public when it’s perfect,” try shifting to, “I’ll sing in public now so I can learn from it and improve.” Your growth lives in the doing, not the waiting.

#2: “It’s Not Good Enough (Yet)”

How often do you catch yourself saying, “It’s not good enough,” without even knowing what “good enough” actually means to you? When you don’t define what you’re aiming for, it’s easy to stay stuck. In this episode, Maggie invites us to get really specific: What does good enough sound like for you? How does it feel in your body when you’re singing freely and clearly?
Whether you’re working toward smooth transitions, singing on pitch, or just feeling joy in the moment, get clear on your personal definition of good enough—then sing toward that.

#3: “I’m Not Making Progress”

It can feel frustrating when you’re practicing consistently but suddenly struggle with something you thought you’d already mastered—like pitch or mix voice. That’s where Maggie’s powerful “upward spiral” concept comes in. Progress isn’t always linear; it’s layered. You’re revisiting familiar challenges from a higher level, with more experience and awareness than before.
So next time you hear yourself say, “I’m not making progress,” pause and ask: Am I actually facing the same issue, or am I just meeting it at a deeper level? That shift in perspective can reveal just how far you’ve truly come.

#4: “I Have to Practice”

Three little words that can carry a whole lot of pressure: “I have to practice.” But what if you changed just one word? Try: “I get to practice.” This small shift creates a big emotional difference. It turns pressure into privilege, routine into gratitude.
When you approach singing from a place of joy rather than obligation, your energy changes—and so does the quality of your practice. The same goes for performing. Saying “I get to perform” can instantly reconnect you with your love for singing, especially in those moments before stepping on stage.

Singing Is More Than Technique—It’s a Holistic Journey

As you’ve seen in this episode, building vocal confidence isn’t just about hitting the right notes—it’s also about what’s going on in your mind. These small mindset shifts can create big breakthroughs in your singing journey. So the next time your inner critic pipes up, you’ll be ready to reframe, refocus, and rise up.

Ready to sing high notes easily and expand your range fast?
Register for this FREE training walking you through the step-by-step process to develop your mix voice:
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If you’ve ever felt stuck in your singing progress despite regular practice, watching YouTube tutorials, or even taking vocal lessons, you’re not alone. Click here to unlock your true vocal potential, hit high (and low!) notes effortlessly, and sing in public with confidence—without relying on natural talent or years of training.

Grab the free secret Vocal Freedom Training here: https://www.singinginsiders.com/secret-video-opt-in-yt-fnl-vfm 

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Ready to sing high notes easily and expand your range fast? Register for this FREE training walking you through the step-by-step process to develop your mix voice:  https://www.singinginsiders.com/shne-training-opt-in-fnl