Week 7 Reflection: Inner Critic and Inner Defender

       I have worked with the same employer for the past 4 years and in that time I have proven myself worthy. I have never called in sick, always came in on time, and I am always a team player. Recently I came to the realization that my job was no longer challenging me enough and I was beginning to lose interest. So in an effort to change my thought process and grow appreciation, I decided to take on another job, which has the same owner, and diversify my work experience. As a result, my good shifts where I make the most money and have maintained consistently for the past 3 years were given to another bartender.
        The inner critic would say that I am no longer capable of managing these shifts and that I am a lousy worker. It would also say that I am not as good as I use to be and because of this I am no longer worthy of keeping the shifts I earned over the course of my employment. The inner guide would cry out to the inner critic and make me aware of the need to improve my self-doubt. Instead of blaming myself and making excuses I would pump myself up with inspiration by thinking positive and rational about the dilemma at hand.
       The inner defender would say that I could never depend on anyone else to live up to my own expectations and because of this I would come to work with a bad attitude. I would be anti-social and assume that everyone is talking negatively about how weak my performance has become. The inner guide would step in and turn my attention to possibilities of why my shifts were taken away. Perhaps my vast knowledge of the restaurant and expertise are needed elsewhere and it could be a positive change in my benefit.
       I would have to question the importance of the problem, stop critiquing myself, and set plans for improving the situation. I have come to the realization that it is indeed an issue and instead of stirring up negative thoughts I can devise a goal for the future. I can request a review with my general manager and ask for him to point out my strengths and weaknesses and how I can improve myself as a worker. From this I can move forward on a positive notion to not take this personally and continue to grow as an employee as well as an individual.