How to Deal with Criticism and Live Your Best Life?

Created by Museli Mulaima 

We all face criticism in our lives, whether it's from our family, friends, co-workers, or strangers. Sometimes, it seems like no matter what we do, we can't please everyone. We may feel judged for our appearance, our choices, our personality, our achievements, or our failures. We may feel like we have to conform to other people's expectations, or hide our true selves.

But criticism doesn't have to bring us down. In fact, it can be a powerful tool for personal growth, if we know how to handle it. Here are some tips on how to deal with criticism and live your best life.

1. Consider the source and the intention of the criticism.

Not all criticism is equal. Some criticism may come from a place of genuine concern, feedback, or support. For example, your doctor may advise you to lose weight for your health, your boss may point out areas where you can improve your performance, or your friend may suggest a different outfit that suits you better. These are examples of constructive criticism, which can help you grow and improve yourself.

However, some criticism may come from a place of jealousy, insecurity, or malice. For example, someone may mock you for your weight, your success, or your happiness, because they feel threatened or unhappy with themselves. These are examples of destructive criticism, which can hurt you and lower your self-esteem.

The first step to deal with criticism is to consider the source and the intention of the criticism. Ask yourself: Who is giving me this criticism? What is their relationship with me? What is their motive or agenda? Do they have my best interest at heart? Do they have the expertise or authority to give me this criticism? Is their criticism based on facts or opinions?

If the criticism comes from someone you trust and respect, who has your best interest at heart, and who has the expertise or authority to give you this criticism, then you may want to listen and learn from it. However, if the criticism comes from someone you don't know or care about, who has a negative or ulterior motive, and who has no basis or credibility to give you this criticism, then you may want to ignore and dismiss it.

2. Evaluate the content and the validity of the criticism.

The next step to deal with criticism is to evaluate the content and the validity of the criticism. Ask yourself: What is the main message or point of the criticism? Is it specific or vague? Is it factual or subjective? Is it relevant or irrelevant? Is it helpful or harmful? Is it fair or biased? Is it true or false?

If the criticism is specific, factual, relevant, helpful, fair, and true, then you may want to accept and apply it. For example, if someone tells you that you made a mistake in your report, and shows you the evidence and the correct way to do it, then you may want to admit your error and correct it. However, if the criticism is vague, subjective, irrelevant, harmful, biased, or false, then you may want to reject and refute it. For example, if someone tells you that you are stupid, ugly, or worthless, and gives you no reason or proof, then you may want to challenge their claim and defend yourself.

3. Respond to the criticism with grace and confidence.

The final step to deal with criticism is to respond to the criticism with grace and confidence. Ask yourself: How do I feel about this criticism? How do I want to react to this criticism? How do I want to communicate with the critic? What do I want to achieve from this interaction?

If the criticism is constructive, then you may want to thank the critic for their feedback, acknowledge their perspective, express your appreciation, and ask for their suggestions. For example, you may say something like: "Thank you for your feedback. I see your point. I appreciate your input. How do you think I can improve this?" This way, you can show your respect, humility, and willingness to learn, and also build a positive relationship with the critic.

However, if the criticism is destructive, then you may want to ignore the critic, avoid engaging with them, or assert your boundaries. For example, you may say something like: "I hear what you're saying, but I disagree. I'm happy with myself and my choices. I don't need your approval or validation. Please stop bothering me." This way, you can show your self-respect, self-confidence, and self-love, and also protect yourself from the negative influence of the critic.

Conclusion

Criticism is inevitable in life, but it doesn't have to define us or limit us. We can choose how to deal with criticism, and use it as an opportunity to grow and improve ourselves, or to ignore and move on from it. The most important thing is to stay true to ourselves, and do what makes us happy. Don't worry about what other people think or say about you. Don't let them bring you down. Let mind shift masters guide your way. Leave a comment below 👇⬇️