Taking Negative Criticism the Right Way: Positively
Nobody is flawless, but it doesn’t make it any easier to accept unfavourable criticism. Here are some strategies for embracing the constructive criticism of others so you can develop into the finest version of yourself yet.
To begin with, there is not a single thing wrong with feeling annoyed and uneasy after hearing criticism. Hearing it is inherently challenging! Nobody enjoys having their shortcomings pointed out to them or being pushed to make changes. There is no doubt that you are not struggling alone.
Many of us take unfavourable criticism personally. Comments or advice can come off as a direct assault on who we are, which can make us feel ashamed, angry, or embarrassed. However, a criticism frequently stems from the needs or fears of the target of the criticism. Additionally, it frequently targets a certain behaviour rather than your complete being.
We gain many opportunities as a result of being open to criticism. Criticism provides an essential chance for growth, and when we develop personally, we advance toward our objectives. Not to add, knowing we’re not at all to blame for a basic human error relieves a little extra burden from our shoulders!
Let’s dwell on understanding a few ways to shift into a more positive perspective.
1. Notice v Think
It’s simple to interpret unfavourable criticism as an attack on your identity. But most of the time, it merely refers to one particular act you committed and not to who you are as a person. State vs. trait thinking is a common term used to describe this. State thinking indicates that this issue is transient. Thinking with your traits indicates that you are and always will be a mistake.
This occurred not because you lacked the ability, but rather because you were unsure of the particular requirements. Recognise that this criticism is not directed at you as a whole and that it presents a wonderful opportunity to advance. You can remember and completely blow it out of the water the next time you ask them which of their standards weren’t satisfied.
When it comes from someone we care about, whether in a personal or professional setting, negative feedback frequently feels harsher. We didn’t mean to hurt them, and having to accept that we did is a very difficult realisation.
Recognize, however, that this one action does not make you a bad person. You’re not just a terrible habit, either. You may not only be more receptive to criticism by doing this, but you may also end up being a better friend, partner, or coworker.
2. Take Time to Cool Off
Even helpful criticism might seem offensive, despite everyone’s best efforts. It can be challenging to maintain your composure while you are experiencing that negative sting.
While you are mired in your (legitimate) negative feelings, you won’t be able to benefit in any way from constructive criticism. So it’s okay if you need to take a break and calm down for a while.
You give yourself a better chance of hearing the comments in the constructive manner that was intended by setting aside this time to calm your reaction. It is far simpler to take in and understand feedback when you can see it as an opportunity for growth rather than an attack.
3. Look at the Silver Lining
Challenge negative beliefs like “I’m not good enough” with positive ones like “I can do better” when someone brings up a behaviour they believe could be altered. They wouldn’t have bothered to give comments in the first place if they believed you lacked the necessary skills.
Thinking in this way can assist you in adopting a mindset that is more growth-oriented than fixed. We can perceive errors and failures as mere occasions for growth when we adopt a growth mentality. This encourages us to work harder since it shows how human beings are constantly evolving, changing, and growing.
4. It is Normal For Everyone to Receive Negative Feedback
Last but not least, remember that everyone occasionally receives unfavourable criticism. Although we may strive to excel in whatever we do as a result of our objectives, standards, and expectations, it is quite normal, inevitable, and most crucially, human, to face criticism.
Let the realisation that we will always be learning relieve some of the pressure you may be under. Also, keep in mind that just because there is always the potential for development does not mean that you are not capable right now.
Conclusion
One of the less exciting aspects of life is receiving negative criticism, but it still exists. Although receiving criticism may never be fully easy, you may handle it the next time it occurs by changing your perspective to one that is more positive, distancing yourself from the behaviour that is being criticised, and keeping in mind that you are only human.
