Dealing with criticism in an elegant manner
Our greatest understanding is that no criticism is ever good, criticism exist as condemnation for us falling on something, but in most times people criticize you for overcoming their greatest fear. It is key to keep in mind that as much criticism is to destroy us, it can also build us.
Criticism has exhausted confidence and left many unsure of their ability to achieve their set goals in life, and it is mostly people close to us who criticize us, thus it is our responsibility to ensure that we master the best ways to deal with negative feedback.
According to expert research in psychology, “top performers in every field learn to view criticism differently than the rest of us.” Thus they always see opportunities where others see obstacles preventing them from succeeding. It is advised by great performers that one should accept criticism and treat it as a stepping stone to greener pastures rather than trying to avoid it because the sooner one accepts what is being said, the better they get in improving themselves
One highly recommended way to overcome criticism is to seek out life experience advice from life coaches, advisors and other related psychological masters, as these mindful individuals have a greater knowledge of how the mind works and how it can impact one’s performance if threatened. The best way is to stand still towards criticism is to use all the negative comments to your advantage and let it be the strength that guides you. The following strategy can be used by one to overcome criticism:
Maintain your composure, and avoid defensive and desperate responses.
Never let negative comments into your heart, process what is said and don’t be emotional about it.
Remember to pay attention to what is being said and at all times avoid arguing with the next party.
Those who make it always take responsibility for their actions, and understand in learning from their mistakes because they know, “what matters is how long you stay down after falling.” The best respond to this is to never condemn yourself for not making it good the first time.
People criticize with different intentions. Some criticize you for your downfall, while for other to indirectly motivate and build you. Always remember that people criticize because they have a different opinion from yours and that does not mean you should give up. The aim is to get up and keep a positive mind. This can be done by having a direction set on how to deal with all the critiques sent your way.
Roberto Verganti and Don Norman argues that “In order to build on your idea, your colleague does not just add a new improved proposal. First, she provides a critique, which enables you to receive precious and specific information, see weaknesses in your half-baked idea you couldn’t spot yourself, and therefore learn. You and the entire team will then be ready to dive deeper into the next iteration. It is the combination of “but” and “and” that creates real progress, enabling the team to see both positive and negative components and allowing each iteration to go even deeper into the analysis.”
Despite every word that can or is being said to you to bring you down, remember to always appreciate the other person for spotting that one mistake that stands to soon make you a better person.
By: Phillen Seruba: intern 2021, breaker of barriers and determiner of new paths.
