As the year turns, my inner critic is active again, goading me to get started on work in the veg patch.

Every time I look out the window at the vegetable patch, or go out to grab a leek or some parsnips for dinner, it starts up its never-ending critical commentary. “You really need to get some compost on that bed,” it says. “Look at those weeds, you’d really think you would keep it tidier. You started GIY? Really? You’d think the so-called founder of GIY would be more on top of things in his own veg patch.”

My inner critic, it turns out, is a total pain in the ass.

As a new year gift to myself, I’ve been reading Aoife McElwain’s excellent new book Slow at Work and it strikes me that its principles could apply not just to my work life, but to my veg patch life too. I am constantly beating myself up about what’s to be done out there, rather than cutting myself a break or, God forbid, praising myself for how much I’ve actually managed to grow.

I’ve done very little in the veg patch since November, but instead of relishing the break, most of the time I just feel guilty. Aoife’s book promises to show us how to “work less, achieve more and regain our balance in an always-on world”. It’s a promise most of us could really latch onto in these frenetic times. It’s a fascinating book that explores the cult of busyness, the imposter syndrome and the problems of procrastination.

The phrase “I’ve been beating myself up” is a really interesting one. Who exactly is it that’s beating me up? Is it me? Creating a tiny little bit of distance between you and your inner critic is one of the healthiest things you can do for your mental health and all-round happiness. Just being able to notice or watch the critic, to catch it out – is usually enough to be able to stop identifying with it so much. After a while you realise your inner critic is actually kind of a moron. It’s like the worst type of bullying boss – hyper critical and repetitive, often sulky, whiney and childish. Never giving you a break, always saying the same dumb stuff, time and time again.

If you’re still looking for a new year’s resolution, how about this: get to know your inner critic. Start listening out for it and watching its patterns. Don’t identify with it so much, or take it so seriously. The first time you find yourself smiling at your inner critic you will know you’ve made significant progress. As for me, I’m staying out of the veg patch for another few weeks. My inner critic is not happy about it, but then again, he never is.

New Year, Same You

We’re tired of the new year, new you malarkey at GIY. We like you just the way you are. Don’t think about giving stuff up, think about taking things up instead. Learn a skill, eat delicious things, sow a seed. Be kind to yourself. Check out our range of courses from vegetarian cooking, beginners’ guides to growing, fermented and cultured drinks to yoga and mindfulness at growhq.org. CL

For further information, visit www.GIY.ie. Slow at Work by Aoife McElwain is €12.99 and available from Gill Books.