#MonsterMonday: 👁️ The Observer 👁️

Don't be BEHOLD-en to your Inner Critic (See what I did there?)

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#MonsterMonday: Because in personal development, some challenges can't be defeated—they must be recruited. Each week, we’ll explore how to transform your inner monsters from barriers into allies on your growth journey.

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The Observer

Floating silently in the darkened chamber, the Observer surveys all with its many eyes, each gaze carrying judgment. Its central eye nullifies potential, while the smaller eyes cast rays of doubt, perfectionism, and harsh assessment. Many adventurers have been paralyzed not by its magic, but by the weight of its unblinking scrutiny—much like the paralyzing force of our inner critic.

Barrier to Growth: The Inner Critic

• Always watching, judging, and criticizing your every move

• Has "eyes" for your flaws but rarely your strengths

• Paralyzes you with perfectionistic standards and overthinking

Recruitment Strategy: Transform judgment into discernment

• Channel that observant nature into spotting patterns of success

• Use its multiple perspectives to see different solutions to problems

• Let it become your "success spotter" rather than failure detector

• Practice: "What would my supportive Observer notice that I'm doing well?"

The Observer as Ally

When recruited rather than avoided, the Observer transforms from a paralyzing force of criticism into an invaluable ally of discernment. Its natural properties—attention to detail, multiple perspectives, and vigilance—become assets in your personal development.

Your recruited Observer helps you:

• Notice nuanced patterns that others miss

• Anticipate potential pitfalls before they become problems

• See situations from multiple angles simultaneously

• Maintain high standards while celebrating progress

• Distinguish between helpful feedback and unhelpful criticism

Bard Strategies for Recruitment

1. The Perspective Rotation Ritual
   When your Observer fixates on a flaw, intentionally direct its gaze toward different aspects. "Now that we've seen what needs improvement, let's turn three eyes toward what's working well, two eyes toward opportunities, and one eye toward lessons learned."

2. The Anti-Disintegration Shield
   The Observer's central eye can nullify your confidence with a single look. Create a protective mantra that acknowledges observation without destruction: "I can be seen fully without being diminished."

3. The Selective Vision Enchantment
   Train your Observer to develop "specialty eyes" that look specifically for strengths, growth, and possibilities. "I'm activating my growth-tracking eye now to notice how far I've come since last year."

4. The Eye Contact Meditation
   Rather than fleeing your Observer's gaze, meet it directly through reflection: "What are you trying to protect me from with this criticism?" Often, acknowledging the protective intent behind the criticism transforms its energy.

Signs of Successful Recruitment

You'll know you've successfully recruited your Observer when:

• Feedback (including criticism) energizes rather than paralyzes you

• You naturally see multiple sides of situations without getting stuck

• Your standards remain high while becoming more supportive

• You can discern which details matter and which can be overlooked

• Your self-awareness feels like an asset rather than a burden

• You catch yourself saying, "That's interesting" instead of "That's terrible"

Remember, the Observer doesn't need to close its eyes to become your ally—it just needs to widen its gaze. Its attentiveness becomes a superpower, not a curse, when it observes the full spectrum of your experience rather than just focusing on flaws.

Want to know more? Reach out to us at d20.coach, and subscribe here on substack for more weird stuff like this! And let us (and all the other cool weirdo nerds who are into growth) know in the comments how this applies to you? What are you going to try to win over your inner Observer?