Wednesday, March 21, 2007

How To Handle Criticism

There's no denying it: criticism can (and often does) hurt.
But no matter what you do in life, you expose yourself to
the possibility of being judged unfavorably.

Even if you try to remain in the background, avoiding all
confrontation, you still must make decisions -- minor ones,
maybe, like when to eat and what you wear. And, rest
assured, not everyone will agree with your choices.

So, since you are going to receive criticism no matter what,
let's take a closer look at how you can best handle (and
even benefit from) it!The next time you are criticized, consider the following
points:

- Accept that people have diverse backgrounds, preferences and
interests. You won't please everyone, so don't even try.

- Don't take it personally. Sure, this is easier said than
done. However, the critic generally isn't trying to prove
that you have no value as a person. Rather, they're
revealing their dislike of your idea or your performance.
Let them have their opinions. In the end, you decide whether
or not to let another person's remarks bother you.

- Strive to learn from their words. Find some truth in
their statements -- even if only a shred. There is usually
some accuracy in critical comments.
It's your job to seek out this kernel
of truth and benefit from it!

- Don't be defensive. Resist the temptation to argue with
the critic. While it's only natural to try to prove that you
are "right" and that the other person is "wrong," this
generally gets you nowhere.

But, most importantly, stay true to your own values and
convictions. If others don't approve, so what!

11 comments:

Margie said...

Wonderful advice from you....as always...thank you Christabelle!
And, thank you for the sweet visit yesterday....your visit was very special and added joy to my day!

I'm not visiting blogs much now...
just once in a while.
And, as you saw I won't be posting for some time.
I'll pop in to visit you...now and then!
Take good care, my friend!
I send hugs back to you, and
luv you too!

Margie:)

Keshi said...

I agree...even if criticism can hurt, there's always some truth to learn from such comments.

Great post and wonderful tips Chris!

Keshi.

Anonymous said...

Excellent advice, Christabelle! It's human nature to dislike criticism, isn't it? I love the idea of finding the truth and wisdom in it, even if you have to bring out the magnifying glass to find it.

Well said!

Margie said...

Another sweet visit from you this week....thank you dear!
All is wonderful in my life!
My precious son will be graduating from high school May 23rd...he's an amazing and wonderful young man!
I am truly blessed!
I hope all is wonderful with you!

Love to you....always!

Margie:)
P.S I hardly visit any blogs these days....just no time for it!

Christabel said...

That post is sure going to help anyone who reads it :-)

"But, most importantly, stay true to your own values and
convictions. If others don't approve, so what!" Just loved tat line :-)

Heidi said...

I don't take criticism well..This is another keeper.! Thankyou!

SOLOMONSYDELLE said...

I am currently working on the Nigerian Proclamation project and considering somee the negativity being spouted my way, it is refreshing to discover this post.

Feel free to chck out the initiative at
http://nigeriancuriosity.blogspot.com

Chipper said...

Well said! I have been gone from blogging for awhile but was thinking of you and hoping all was well. Take care!

Christie's Corner said...

Hey, thanks everyone for coming around, I've been a very "bad" blogger lately, ugh!

Margie,keshi, heidi, etchen love ya\ou guys

delia, kitchy, solomon, thanks soooo much for visiting with me.

Christie's Corner said...

hey Margie, congrats on your sons grad, soo happy for you dearie!!

Margie said...

Thanks for the congrats.
Love ya!

Margie