Our self-critic can be our most powerful weapon, or our most dangerous enemy. It can cause us to be cautious and not run head first into disaster; alternatively, it can render us so timid that we do nothing and remain stuck. It can help us scrutinize and edit details of manuscripts on our own until they are flawless without assistance, yet possibly keep us so paralyzed looking for every last possible detail that we never share something with the world.
The balance is knowing when to let that self-critic take control and when to take a back seat. I believe personally that it’s a constantly battle and never something you master. I used to be better at it, but lately I think I need more practice at it. In some aspects I’m holding back too much and in others should hold back more. It’s all about the balance.