--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I'm always my toughest critic. I'm…" description: "\"I'm always my toughest critic. I'm setting the expectations for myself, and that's enough pressure. I don't need to worry about the haters or the Twitt..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1f4/molly-qerim-12266_critic_i-m-always-my-toughest-critic-i-m-settin_3155881.jpg" --- # I'm always my toughest critic. I'm setting the… ![“I'm always my toughest critic. I'm setting the expectations for myself, and that's enough pressure. I don't need to worry about the haters or the Twitter trolls or what everybody else thinks.” quote by Molly Qerim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1f4/molly-qerim-12266_critic_i-m-always-my-toughest-critic-i-m-settin_3155881.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1f4/molly-qerim-12266_critic_i-m-always-my-toughest-critic-i-m-settin_3155881.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1f4/molly-qerim-12266_critic_i-m-always-my-toughest-critic-i-m-settin_3155881.jpg) > “I'm always my toughest critic. I'm setting the expectations for myself, and that's enough pressure. I don't need to worry about the haters or the Twitter trolls or what everybody else thinks.” [Molly Qerim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/molly-qerim/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Self‑criticism can be a motivator when balanced, but excessive self‑pressure can be harmful. **In simple terms:** Being your own toughest critic creates pressure. Key Takeaway Balance self‑expectations with self‑compassion. Themes self‑esteem pressure confidence Mood determined reflective Type motivational self‑help When to use this quote - personal growth - public speaking - social media engagement - mental health management Key Concepts psychology self‑talk motivation Questions to Reflect On - How can you turn self‑criticism into constructive feedback? - What limits do you set to protect your wellbeing? A Different Perspective Too much self‑criticism may lead to burnout or anxiety. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Expectations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/expectations/) [Haters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/haters/) [Pressure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pressure/) ## Related quotes > [The primary problem is to learn to be your own toughest critic. You have to pay attention to intelligent work, and to work at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/garry-winogrand/the-primary-problem-is-to-learn-to-be-your-own-toughest-critic-you/) [Garry Winogrand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/garry-winogrand/) > [“you have to be your toughest critic, but at the same time, your own biggest fan”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/not-known/you-have-to-be-your-toughest-critic-but-at-the-same-time-your-own/) Not Known > [I don't pay no attention to what critics say about me, the good or the bad. The toughest critic I got is myself...and I'm…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/miles-davis/i-don-t-pay-no-attention-to-what-critics-say-about-me-the-good-or-the/) [Miles Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/miles-davis/) > [“when it comes to standards, as a leader, it’s not what you preach, it’s what you tolerate. When setting expectations, no matter what has…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jocko-willink/when-it-comes-to-standards-as-a-leader-it-s-not-what-you-preach-it-s/) [Jocko Willink](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jocko-willink/) > [I'm not setting too many expectations for myself. I'm just trying to create opportunities for something interesting.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bowen-yang/i-m-not-setting-too-many-expectations-for-myself-i-m-just-trying-to/) [Bowen Yang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bowen-yang/) > [I'm a junkie for exhaustion, and I'm a junkie for setting up my expectations too high and then trying to meet them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-colbert/i-m-a-junkie-for-exhaustion-and-i-m-a-junkie-for-setting-up-my/) [Stephen Colbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-colbert/) > [I love music and I guess I have less expectations or pressure to kind of put on myself because the music hasn't been some…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mandy-moore/i-love-music-and-i-guess-i-have-less-expectations-or-pressure-to-kind/) [Mandy Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mandy-moore/) > [The expectations and pressure doesn't mean you change. That's something that's always been instilled in me, and doesn't matter what the situation or what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/max-scherzer/the-expectations-and-pressure-doesn-t-mean-you-change-that-s/) [Max Scherzer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/max-scherzer/) > [We feel pressure from every angle to meet expectations, but the pressure also pushes us in a positive was as well.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/momo-hirai/we-feel-pressure-from-every-angle-to-meet-expectations-but-the/) [Momo Hirai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/momo-hirai/) > [I just got a lot of expectations and pressure on me, but it is what it is. I've got the best job in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/troy-deeney/i-just-got-a-lot-of-expectations-and-pressure-on-me-but-it-is-what-it/) [Troy Deeney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/troy-deeney/) > [The stage has a certain discipline. But the ultimate standard is more exacting in film, because you have to see yourself and you are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-nicholson/the-stage-has-a-certain-discipline-but-the-ultimate-standard-is-more/) [Jack Nicholson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-nicholson/) > [I'm always going to be my own toughest critic, so I always feel like I can play better.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geno-smith/i-m-always-going-to-be-my-own-toughest-critic-so-i-always-feel-like-i/) [Geno Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geno-smith/) > [I put so much pressure on myself. I'm my toughest critic. I always push myself to go harder than I did last time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/polo-g/i-put-so-much-pressure-on-myself-i-m-my-toughest-critic-i-always-push/) [Polo G](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/polo-g/) > [I'll never get complacent. I am my own toughest critic.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/faith-salie/i-ll-never-get-complacent-i-am-my-own-toughest-critic/) [Faith Salie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/faith-salie/) > [I am absolutely my own biggest critic.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lando-norris/i-am-absolutely-my-own-biggest-critic/) [Lando Norris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lando-norris/) ## More by Molly Qerim > [My friends would always joke that I'm 'the grandmother' and 'the homebody' because I can't stay up past nine o'clock, but a lot of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/molly-qerim/my-friends-would-always-joke-that-i-m-the-grandmother-and-the/) [Molly Qerim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/molly-qerim/) > [I definitely work a lot, but I love it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/molly-qerim/i-definitely-work-a-lot-but-i-love-it/) [Molly Qerim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/molly-qerim/) > [When I was in L.A., I thought I would never leave.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/molly-qerim/when-i-was-in-l-a-i-thought-i-would-never-leave/) [Molly Qerim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/molly-qerim/) > [TV is changing in terms of how we are consuming sports. Appointment viewing no longer exists, as between social media and the Internet, people…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/molly-qerim/tv-is-changing-in-terms-of-how-we-are-consuming-sports-appointment/) [Molly Qerim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/molly-qerim/) > [If Kaepernick is trying to become a backup quarterback, and we're seeing guys like Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith being picked ahead him, then…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/molly-qerim/if-kaepernick-is-trying-to-become-a-backup-quarterback-and-we-re/) [Molly Qerim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/molly-qerim/) > [I'm really looking forward to joining 'Mike & Mike.' It will be a tremendous challenge.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/molly-qerim/i-m-really-looking-forward-to-joining-mike-mike-it-will-be-a/) [Molly Qerim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/molly-qerim/) > [I don't go out too much, though I love to dance, but I dont drink.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/molly-qerim/i-don-t-go-out-too-much-though-i-love-to-dance-but-i-dont-drink/) [Molly Qerim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/molly-qerim/) > [I've always been pretty disciplined.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/molly-qerim/i-ve-always-been-pretty-disciplined/) [Molly Qerim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/molly-qerim/) > [As far as feeling like I need to prove myself or this or that, I don't feel that way anymore. I've been in this…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/molly-qerim/as-far-as-feeling-like-i-need-to-prove-myself-or-this-or-that-i-don-t/) [Molly Qerim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/molly-qerim/) > [I have to make sure to get a good night's sleep whenever I can, and sometimes I have to be really disciplined. There are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/molly-qerim/i-have-to-make-sure-to-get-a-good-night-s-sleep-whenever-i-can-and/) [Molly Qerim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/molly-qerim/) > [I'm very Aries - every characteristic, good and the bad.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/molly-qerim/i-m-very-aries-every-characteristic-good-and-the-bad/) [Molly Qerim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/molly-qerim/) > [I'm not dating anyone until I get my career where I want it to be.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/molly-qerim/i-m-not-dating-anyone-until-i-get-my-career-where-i-want-it-to-be/) [Molly Qerim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/molly-qerim/) > [So let me get this straight: Kaepernick sacrificed his career, dreams, and reputation fighting for social justice because he was shown he couldn't do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/molly-qerim/so-let-me-get-this-straight-kaepernick-sacrificed-his-career-dreams/) [Molly Qerim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/molly-qerim/) > [It's tricky when you have people tuning in to hear about sports, not politics, but I think in issues where they intertwine, that is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/molly-qerim/it-s-tricky-when-you-have-people-tuning-in-to-hear-about-sports-not/) [Molly Qerim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/molly-qerim/) > [I grew up in Connecticut - it was really charming, but when I was younger, all I wanted was to get out.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/molly-qerim/i-grew-up-in-connecticut-it-was-really-charming-but-when-i-was/) [Molly Qerim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/molly-qerim/) [Explore all 55 Molly Qerim quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/molly-qerim/) ## More Critic quotes > [I am absolutely my own biggest critic.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lando-norris/i-am-absolutely-my-own-biggest-critic/) [Lando Norris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lando-norris/) > [Critics are biased, and so are readers. (Indeed, a critic is a bundle of biases held loosely together by a sense of taste.) But…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/whitney-balliett/critics-are-biased-and-so-are-readers-indeed-a-critic-is-a-bundle-of/) Whitney Balliett > [I am my biggest critic. Even in films where people said they liked me, I have disliked myself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samantha-akkineni/i-am-my-biggest-critic-even-in-films-where-people-said-they-liked-me/) [Samantha Akkineni](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samantha-akkineni/) > [“The composition of Shakespeare is a forest, in which oaks extend in the air, interspersed sometimes with weeds and brambles, and sometimes giving shelting…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/the-composition-of-shakespeare-is-a-forest-in-which-oaks-extend-in/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [The good author is he who contemplates without marked joy or excessive sorrow the adventures of his soul amongst criticisms.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-conrad/the-good-author-is-he-who-contemplates-without-marked-joy-or/) [Joseph Conrad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-conrad/) > [If I weren't an actor, I'd either be a teacher or a critic.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dennis-haysbert/if-i-weren-t-an-actor-i-d-either-be-a-teacher-or-a-critic/) [Dennis Haysbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dennis-haysbert/) > [When a critic sets himself up as an arbiter of morality, a judge of the matter and not the manner of a work, he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-albee/when-a-critic-sets-himself-up-as-an-arbiter-of-morality-a-judge-of/) [Edward Albee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-albee/) > [I remember the early 1980s, when I first got one of these fabulous film critic jobs. The downside was sitting through 'Splatteria III: The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-hunter/i-remember-the-early-1980s-when-i-first-got-one-of-these-fabulous/) [Stephen Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-hunter/) > [The television critic, whatever his pretensions, does not labour in the same vineyard as those he criticizes; his grapes are all sour.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederic-raphael/the-television-critic-whatever-his-pretensions-does-not-labour-in-the/) [Frederic Raphael](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederic-raphael/) > [To be a critic, you have to have maybe three percent education, five percent intelligence, two percent style, and 90 percent gall and egomania…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-crist/to-be-a-critic-you-have-to-have-maybe-three-percent-education-five/) [Judith Crist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-crist/) > [The critic is the only independent source of information. The rest is advertising.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pauline-kael/the-critic-is-the-only-independent-source-of-information-the-rest-is/) [Pauline Kael](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pauline-kael/) > [The critic is a man who prefers the indolence of opinion to the trials of action.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-mason-brown/the-critic-is-a-man-who-prefers-the-indolence-of-opinion-to-the/) [John Mason Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-mason-brown/) > [“A good judge is not one who is impartial, but one who has prejudice for good.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/raheel-farooq/a-good-judge-is-not-one-who-is-impartial-but-one-who-has-prejudice/) [Raheel Farooq](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/raheel-farooq/) > [A critic who uses new quotations is making important changes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mason-cooley/a-critic-who-uses-new-quotations-is-making-important-changes/) [Mason Cooley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mason-cooley/) > [My mother and my grandmother are pioneers of Mexican cuisine in this country, so I grew up in the kitchen. My mom, Zarela Martinez,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aaron-sanchez/my-mother-and-my-grandmother-are-pioneers-of-mexican-cuisine-in-this/) [Aaron Sanchez](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aaron-sanchez/) Browse all 758 Critic quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I'm always my toughest critic. I'm setting the expectations for myself, and that's enough pressure. 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