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Why We Need Criticism
Nobody like to be criticized and told they are wrong. Most prefer to be praised for everything we do and if they did mentioned it, at least a pat on the back means a lot to someone. Unfortunately, we are not perfect and not everyone can give you a good comments or suggestions. Some people can be very direct to the point and criticism.
“Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body; it calls attention to the development of an unhealthy state of things. If it is heeded in time, danger may be averted; if it is suppressed, a fatal distemper may develop.”
[New Statesman interview, 7 January 1939]”
― Winston ChurchillDealing with criticismCriticism are hard to swallow, even myself find it difficult to accept critics given to me by others. Some criticism are destructive and some are constructive. Some people are natural critics and cynical type of person, they don’t care if they hurt your feeling or not, they just say what they feel not how you feel.Accept criticism as a from of feedback by others in order to improve ourselves. We all learn from mistakes and constructive critics may help in many ways. Learn to analyze criticism, don’t swallow everything, as too much criticism can kill a soul.Be Positive
Be positive in taking criticism, just consider it as an opinion and if you feel its acceptable then learn from it. Sometimes critics can’t tell you in a good way but they meant to help you. Criticism can help you discover your weaknesses and open door for improvement.OpportunityI remember selling my handmade earrings and bracelets, some say it nice yet some sees it as too plain and simple. I focus on the word ‘plain and simple’ more than the word ‘nice’. Looking at my creation .. it is look nice but i agree it look plain and simple, instead of feeling upset i begin to learn how to do earrings and bracelets. I invested money in buying beads and new tools online.Magazines and website selling accessories inspired me to try and create different designs. After many trial and errors, i manage to create few new design but i have problem duplicating if the design is complicated so it become a ‘special edition‘.Accept the Challenge
Critics can put you feel down and angry at times, sometimes when you are criticized, you might react in disagreement especially if you feel its not fair. Stay calm and walk away. The best way to handle criticism if you feel that is not right, challenge the critics. There are always opportunity somewhere, go an learn and prove the critics wrong.Instead of accepting that you are in capable in something, search of what you are good at and keep on learning. The next thing you know you be thankful to the critics.Be Open Minded
Be open mind about criticism. Criticism make you aware of your weaknesses and it helps to discover your strength. We assume critics as bad people but if you be open mind about it, they are just telling the truth. The truth can be painful sometimes and most of the time you don’t see your weaknesses until someone point it out to you.
When you are criticized, don’t take it personally but take it seriously. In life, we need both negative and positive feedback in order to learn. Don’t expect praise too much as sometimes it can be fake and don’t ignore criticism because it will help you grow.
Nobody is perfect as we are all learning and the journey of learning is to understand why, who, how, when, what and where. Whenever you receive criticism, ask yourself the 5W1H questions and start giving your answer in what you can do to improve.
If someone give you a criticism, give the person a smile, say thank you and walk away.
