Six Tips for Crushing Criticism
The fear of criticism robs a person of their initiative, destroys imagination, limits initiative, destroys dreams, steals self-reliance, and does, Lord only knows how much more damage.
-Napoleon Hill
One a personal note, for years friends and family members suggested that I enter some of my photos in the largest juried show for New Mexican artists at the New Mexico State Fair. I had avoided doing this for years, basically being fearful of what the judges might say. Isn’t that crazy? I had never entered anything in any art show because of fear.
The image at the top of the post was the first piece of my art that I’d ever shown and it won Honorable Mention and a ribbon.
The truth is, anytime you put your head above the crowd there is the potential that you will become a target of criticism. I hope that as you continue to lean into life, you will take the risk to live the life you were intended to live.
Six Criticism Crushing Tips you can use today!
Tip #1 — People are going to criticize you no matter what you do. So why not give them something to talk about? As you grow, become more visible, and share your gifts, vision, and expertise, others will criticize.
As you step into this adventure of pushing back the fear of criticism you will only have two options:
Option #1 — Gripe, complain, moan and groan. Complain about how unfair things are and how we should all just love and respect each other. FYI: This will do nothing but make you more miserable.
Option #2 — Accept the fact that people will be critical which doesn’t mean you have to like it or let people walk all over you. Once you have done that, then take what you need and dismiss the rest.
Tip #2 — Learn to look inside and discover the beautiful person God created you to be.
People believe two lies. The first is that our sense of self-esteem should be based on our performance. The second is that our self-esteem is based on what others think about us.
Now, while it is important to be the best employee you can be in the workplace, that has nothing to do with healthy self-esteem.
A healthy sense of self-worth is based on God’s love for me; he knows how bad I can mess things up and yet He chooses to love me and be a dynamic part of my life if I allow Him to be. He gives me a purpose for living.
Tip #3 — Listen to your inner critic and disagree. Learn to challenge your thoughts.
Tip #4 — Remember, you’re an adult, and you get to choose. Choose wisely.
Tip #5 — Don’t be intimidated by criticism.
Look for wisdom in constructive criticism. When people who love you are critical, trust that they love you and have your best interest in mind. Cut them some slack and meet them with an open heart and mind.
Tip #6 — Move from being emotionally fragile to emotional resilient.
You can do this, I know you can. If you are a person of faith remember these words, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Action Plan:
Click this link to take my free 20 Minutes the Could Change Your Life online course.
Be Blessed,
John
