7 ways to get over criticism
Criticism is tough to deal with.
Constructive criticism is much easier but it’s rarely given because most people don’t want to take the time to be helpful.
However, you can certainly ease the pain of regular criticism and turn it into something that helps you.
Here are 7 easy ways to do so.
1. Identify where it’s coming from
People don’t criticize others for no reason. It could be a person’s job, if they’re a critic, but most likely it comes from jealously or from other emotions.
When you’re criticized, ask yourself:
- Is this person jealous?
- Am I more successful than them?
- Is this person just always in a negative mood?
Jealously is probably the biggest driving force for criticism. It’s difficult to see someone else succeed where you failed.
2. Identify who the critic is
If you’re getting criticized on the internet, it’s most likely going to be from trolls and I wouldn’t concern yourself with them or waste much time responding to them.
For offline, find out more information about the person criticizing you. See how much of a success they are and what they do for a living.
3. Evaluate the maturity of the criticism
Most criticisms are very childish sounding. If that’s the type of negative comments you get then I wouldn’t worry about the criticism.
4. Accept the criticism
Criticisms usually have a bit of truth to them, so it might be beneficial to not be in denial and just accept it.
5. Use it to better yourself
Once you’ve accepted the criticism from a source you respect, then it’s time to get to work. Decide how you can become better in the area you were criticized for. But be sure to also remind yourself of what you’re excellent at.
6. Don’t criticize the critic
You don’t always need to fight back or bring yourself down to the level of the critic. Try to reply by saying “thanks for your comment.” That usually quiets people up pretty quick, especially those trying to push your buttons.
7. Know that if you’re not criticized, you’re not successful
I wouldn’t worry about being criticized. What I would be worried about is when I’m not being criticized. It means that you’re not being successful with what you do. Success comes from standing out and being different. And there’s no way to be different and stand out without being criticized.
Related articles:
- Escaping Cape Fear: 9 Ways To Not Let Fear Stop You
- Dealing with negativity: 8 ways to beat the naysayers
Photo by G i O
5 Responses to “7 ways to get over criticism”
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I stumbled upon your blog (of lists). Very neat. I like the lists that you have created. Every one of them make sense. Greta work. Keep the good work up!
Cheers!
I think I will follow you on twitter!
Thanks Amitabh!
-Andrew
Andrew,
Great article. Criticism is never fun to listen to, and even harder to respond positively to. However, you are right that it is extremely important to do both–and you wont be successful until you do. Any entrepreneur deals with criticism on a daily basis about their product, personal traits, and organization.
It is important to keep your head up.
Theodore Roosevelt:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
Hey Sam,
Glad you liked the article!
AWESOME quote!! I’ve never read it before. Thanks so much for including it.
-Andrew