There’s a saying that “Everyone’s a critic.” It’s true. And the biggest critic of all is the one staring right back at you through the mirror.

No one has to come down hard on you because, most likely, you’re already putting yourself into a vicious head lock as it is.

Keep reading to find out seven ways that you can keep that inner critic from taking up so much headspace.

It’s been said that you can talk to yourself as long as you don’t answer back. If you don’t answer back, however, the potentially negative thoughts will continue unchallenged.

This is more detrimental than being thought of as crazy.

We often follow the patterns created in our minds by our thoughts. Allowing negative self-talk to dominate your mind can lead to low self-esteem, bad habits, depression and other unhealthy results.

7 Ways to Get Over Your Inner Critic

1. Don’t let the pressure get to you. Be proactive. Attack those thoughts as soon as they start to speak. Get creative.

2. Box up your negativity – This can be literal or figurative. In the grand scheme of our lives, each problem holds a small place overall. Seeing it as small minimizes its power over you.

Try this: Create a small box or purchase one. Whenever you’re plagued by a negative thought about yourself for the way you handled a problem or because you made a mistake, write it down on a piece of paper. Put it away in that small box. See your issue diminishing in size. Those thoughts do not define who you are.

3. Replace negativity with positive self-talk – When a negative thought is removed, something needs to fill its place in your mind.

Exchange a negative (“I’m worthless because I’m not married.”) for a positive thought (“I am a unique and worthwhile person that someone would be lucky to have as a partner.”).

If the negative thoughts can keep you down, then surely the positive ones can lift you up.

4. Talk to a trusted friend – Explain the situation that made you feel so bad. Allow your friend to console you, counsel you and possibly challenge the negative thought pattern that’s condemning you.

5. Get real – Was the situation as bad as you imagined it was? Maybe you’re embellishing the story because of the negatives swirling in your mind? Take a realistic look at you and put things into perspective.

6. Accept your imperfections – Don’t “agree to disagree” with certain attributes, but embrace them as old friends instead. They’re a part of you, after all – the good, the bad, the ugly, and the peculiar. Love who you are, and then move on toward making changes in your life.

7. Count your positives – This is similar to counting your blessings. What’s good about you? What have you done that’s positive? Before you know it, you don’t feel bad anymore.

Don’t let that voice of the inner critic in your head overshadow your actual voice. Speak the truth and change your circumstances.