None of us likes to be criticized, but few, if any, of us will go through life without experiencing criticism. In fact, the more we stand up for something, the more we will be criticized.
So how do we handle criticism when it comes our way? Here are 4 tips that may help:
- Consider who has given you the criticism. Is it someone who loves and cares about you? Is it someone who has authority over you, such as a parent, a spouse, a boss, or a teacher? Or is it someone who doesn’t particularly like you or who is jealous of you? The source of the criticism is important in determining its validity, although valid criticism can also come from our enemies.
- Look at the criticism objectively. Do not allow it to upset you, but rather, ask yourself if there is any truth in it. If there is, humbly accept that truth and use it as a catalyst for change. When considered in this manner, criticism can be a tool to help you grow as a person.
- Once you’ve distilled the truth, if any, from the criticism, throw the rest of the criticism away. Don’t think about it any longer. If you dwell on the false part of the criticism, you will do nothing but upset yourself. Remember: Nothing can upset you unless you give it permission to upset you.
- If the shoe fits, wear it. If it doesn’t, don’t. Deep down inside, we usually know when a criticism directed at us is true or not. If it is, don’t try to shrug it off or argue your way out of it. Take it like a man—or woman. After all, none of us is perfect.
Dr. MaryAnn Diorio writes compelling fiction that deals with the deepest issues of the human heart. Her latest release, Surrender to Love, is available on Amazon. MaryAnn resides in New Jersey with her wonderful husband of 45 years. They are the blessed parents of two amazing daughters, a fantastic son-in-law, and five rambunctious grandchildren. In her spare time, MaryAnn loves to read, to paint, and to make up silly songs for her grandchildren.
Copyright 2015 by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD, MFA. All Rights Reserved.