[2023-11-16] Questions to ask when criticized
Questions to ask when criticized...
- Would I have sought this person's advice? If not, then why should I accept their criticism?
- Is the criticism valid or true? If yes, then can I learn from it and be grateful?
- Do I—deep down inside—believe the criticism? Does it amplify my own insecurity?
- Is my way neither better nor worse than my critic's way—simply different?
- If the criticism is not valid or true, how do I protect my peace and not allow someone else's opinion to ruin my day?
People who are better at deflecting unproductive criticism and unsolicited advice don't necessarily receive less criticism and advice than others. They've simply learned to take productive feedback and act on it, to ignore unfair and uninvited judgements, to listen to their own inner voice and not pile on to what their critic said, to draw their own conclusions about their performance, and to not allow someone else's statements to determine their mood.
As someone said, "It doesn't get easier. You get stronger."
