I think no one likes to be criticized. And I think it is a natural reaction to feel bad, ashamed or even angry when you feel that you are attacked verbally. But criticism has also positive sides and in this post, I want to discuss how to deal with it in a constructive way and what you can learn from critical opinions.

So, how should we deal with criticism?

Find out the type of criticism

First of all, we should examine who criticized us – is it your boss or a neighbor? If the critics come in a work setting the intention is to make you perform better so to see which points of your work you can improve to have better results in the future. If it is critics are just neighborhood gossips then you may not take them too personally. Listen also to the content of the criticism and reflect if the message has a constructive or destructive character.

Accept that everyone makes mistakes

A good strategy for not taking criticism too personally is to be aware of the fact that no one is perfect and that human beings are predisposed to mistakes.

Work on your weaknesses 

Listen to what people usually give you like feedback and try to improve yourself. Work on your weaknesses as part of your personality development. Next time you will not react that sensible when someone criticizes you but rather try to understand how you can be a better version of yourself.

Work out a personality development plan

Take one thing you are usually criticized about and figure out how you can address this weakness by putting up a plan. There you write about your expectations and actions and the timeframe in which you want to achieve your goal.

Be grateful for feedback

If someone is willing to give you honest feedback about your own person you should be grateful and say “thank you”. Say that you appreciate that the person told you something that helps you to become a better person.

Accept the feedback as it is.

Do not try to find excuses for why the person said that thing about you. Accept feedback as it is and avoid putting yourself in a defensive position, because this does not help you in anything.

Use empathy put yourself into the other`s shoes

If someone criticizes you it is helpful to put yourself into his or her shoes to really understand the motives why the person said to you the things in such a tone. This will help you to feel better.

Remember that criticism consists just of words

Remember that words per se are neutral. They cannot hurt you unless you interpret them in a negative way. So you are the only one who can decide if the criticism touches you negatively.

Stay Self-Confident 

Do not let criticism hurt your self-esteem. Remember who you are and what your strengths are. Boost your self-confidence by hanging out with people who appreciate your person.

Stay on your way

Do not change your course just because someone said something bad about your activity. Take it as an opinion, learn what you can from it, but continue what you are doing.

I hope this article provided you some strategies in order to help you to deal with criticism.

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