Have you ever caught yourself saying things in your mind that you would never say to someone you love? Perhaps it’s that little whisper that says, “You’re not good enough,” or “Why even bother trying—you’ll fail anyway.” This inner voice, often called negative self-talk, can be one of the greatest obstacles to living a healthy and balanced life. It’s sneaky, persistent, and powerful. But here’s the good news: with awareness and practice, we can learn to transform that inner critic into something far more helpful—a compassionate coach.