The Demons Within...how to regain the focus!

I recall when I was in school for life coaching we had to describe our saboteur (inner critic) in detail. We were in a group setting and the woman I was with was shocked to hear my description because she actually thought this person was real. It is real and I have struggled for a long time to win the inner game of my demons. I tell my clients to ignore it and move on and don't give in. This past week for me has been a struggle.I am trying to follow my own advice. It's been a constant fight with myself and all of the what-iffing about my business. I am not feeding into it and doing my best that's all I can do. I notice the cycle and eliminate as soon as I see it coming. I take a piece of paper and write down the negative thought that I am having and replace it with a positive one. Getting that thought off of my mind frees me up of more space to be creative with and to release the negative. Everytime I notice that thought coming up I will re-read the paper. It works it did for me. It's essentially a bad habit and the more you dwell and focus on it the worse it will become. Take it from me it will. Another tip is to distract yourself and get busy....get moving. I've recently taken up gardening & it has become my outlet to relax and shut my brain off. What have you done to control your demons? Would love to hear.