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Learning to Take Criticism

Updated on October 7, 2011
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Criticism is not an easy thing to take. Believe me, there are a lot of examples where people destroyed their lives because of criticism and the reason for that was not taking it positively. A number of us do not know how to handle criticism and that is what I am discussing in this article. Here are some of the things which can help you learn to handle criticism.

First of all, I want to share my opinion that receiving criticism and taking benefit out of it is a God given talent and there are a very few people who have this natural capability. The most natural reaction to criticism is to defend yourself and prove your critic wrong. While this may be necessary at times, this natural reaction can also cause us to ignore the fact that in certain occasions, the critic may have a valid point. However, this is one of those things that can be inculcated in a person's personality. The only thing that you need to do is to take your ego out of the equation.

Bracing yourself up

This is the first step in taking criticism. You should always be ready to take criticism and should think of it as a point to ponder upon. You should be ready for it whenever it comes and when it does, you should listen to it and should not try to defend yourself right away, even if it is not true. Although this is not a very easy thing to do, once you master this skill you will see yourself achieving balance and clarity.

The only way to assess the merit of a criticism is to do so with a clear and open mind. Being on the defensive and feeling offended will not place you in a state of objectivity. You need to be able to go over the criticism objectively and sincerely. If it has no merit, then go defend yourself and take apart his argument. However, if the criticism has merit, then you stumble upon an opportunity to improve yourself.


Listen to critics, regardless if the critics are being rational or a complete jerk. Keep your emotions out of it as much as possible  sit there looking cool as a cucumber. :)
Listen to critics, regardless if the critics are being rational or a complete jerk. Keep your emotions out of it as much as possible sit there looking cool as a cucumber. :) | Source

Focus on improving yourself

If you possess an attitude that makes you willing to make improvements in your personality then this will help your ability to take criticism positively. As you receive criticism, develop a habit of learning from it when applicable.

You should have a positive point of view towards criticism; treat it as a feedback mechanism. We learn more about ourselves through feedback we receive from other people. Our friends and loved ones would generally provide us with positive feedback about ourselves. However, to really get a well-rounded view of our total personality, we also need to know about bad traits and weaknesses as well. This can be found via negative feedback or criticism about us as a person.

By being open to criticism, you enable yourself to recognize your weak points and areas for improvement or change. Use this opportunity to focus on the weak points which you have identified through criticism you received and try to eliminate those from your personality to develop into a better version of your current self. Consequently, the more you improve and develop positively as a person, you are less likely to get criticism.


Been Subjected to a Lot of Criticism? Prepare, Learn and Profit from it
Been Subjected to a Lot of Criticism? Prepare, Learn and Profit from it | Source

Keep negative things at bay

I know that it is a very easy thing to say but, with fortitude, this skill take some effort getting used to. If you really want to take benefit from criticism, you will have to keep negative thoughts at bay and not let them take over yourself. Keep your ego out of the way and listen to that criticism carefully and take out all the beneficial things you could out of it. It is for your own good. You have to keep in mind that these people who are criticizing you today will be applauding you some day. It is possible that they may have been criticizing you because they wish for you to improve and do better. In a way, it shows that they somehow care about you to take the time and effort to point out an area for improvement.

Of course, there will also be unwarranted and downright malicious criticism that will serve no useful purpose other than to hurt or offend you. Again, keep the negative things at bay. Defend yourself and make your point if needed, but otherwise, let it go. As mentioned earlier, a clear head is needed in order to be able to objectively assess the merit of the criticism hurled at you. Emotions and passion can cloud your judgment. Be confident enough to brush away those that aren't true and is merely meant to harm you.

By keeping some of these things in mind you will be able to effectively handle criticism and treat it as a beneficial tool for you.

2011 Moira G Gallaga©

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How to Take Criticism

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