Being criticized is a risk that we all face.
Unless, of course, we choose to avoid criticism by doing nothing, saying nothing and being nothing.
Learning how to deal with criticism in a constructive way can set us free in ways we hadn’t expected.
The first thing to keep in mind is that not all critics are created equal.
Constructive criticism, especially from someone whose opinion we trust or value, can help us to pinpoint and fix errors which might not otherwise have been noticed.
After all, critics can be counted on to tell us what our friends won’t.
But some forms of criticism stem from a simple desire to inflict pain or doubt.
If you suggest that the sky is blue and a critic rushes forward to insist that it’s “sky blue,” you’re dealing with someone more interested in “winning” than in helping you improve.
Critics operating from a “Gotcha!” standpoint are simply looking for some perceived advantage and can be safely ignored.
You don’t need their approval and they wouldn’t give it even if you sought it.
Explaining yourself to such individuals only gives them stature that they don’t really deserve.
One of the most liberating gifts we can give ourselves is to stop worrying about what other people think of us, especially those trying to tear us down.
Be grateful to your critics for noticing you but don’t give them power to control you via anger or fear.
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