Dealing with criticisms can be quite hard. Having someone give criticisms for what you have done or even what you are can ruin an otherwise perfect day. But criticisms from people can happen at anytime, even at times when it is the last thing you need. Some people have the ability to shrug it off, while others tend to internalize it.
Below are some tips that will help you deal with criticisms.
Determine what the criticism is and who it comes from
Assess the criticism first before you react. There really is such a thing as a constructive criticism and it is extremely different from malicious remarks from a person who is just out to hurt you. Remove yourself from the situation and try to look at what happened objectively. Ask yourself if the criticism was based on a good intention or not. Also consider if what you’re feeling is valid or if you’re just being too sensitive.
Get in touch with your feelings
The worst thing you can do is when faced with criticisms is not to acknowledge what you feel. Usually we just try to ignore what we feel because we do not want a confrontation, but your feelings are important because it tells you when something is wrong. Instead of clamping down on what you feel ask yourself what you will say if your feelings can talk. Also ask yourself what kind of actions you will make if you follow your feelings.
Draw your boundaries
You should set a boundary on who you will tolerate or not when it comes to criticisms. You should tell people if they are crossing a line that they shouldn’t cross. Tell them how their criticisms make you feel and also tell them what you will do if they cross it – you can tell them you will leave the room, or, if you’re talking to them on the phone, politely end the call. In extreme cases you can tell them that you will end your relationship with them, which is still perfectly within your rights.
Use the criticism to your advantage
Getting criticized by people can hurt but you can use it to your advantage by looking at what people said to you from an impartial perspective and try to find that kernel of truth, however small it is. Ask yourself if the criticism, however unfair, contains some truth that you can use to further improve yourself. Take a negative situation and turn it into a positive one.
Set the record straight
If the criticism or accusations being hurled at you is too hurtful or damaging, you have all the right in the world to set the record straight. Make the positive action of confronting the criticisms head on and telling people the truth. Don’t pick a fight because it won’t result in anything productive.
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