Every person, at some point, finds themselves having to deal with criticism. Whether it’s commenting on one’s work, one’s ideas, or even one’s person, criticism can be more or less pleasant. They can sometimes even be hurtful.
So how do you handle criticism and turn it into strength rather than a source of discouragement? In this article, we offer you 8 tips that will help you become stronger than ever in the face of negative remarks from others.
#01. Work on your self-confidence to deal with criticism
If criticism hurts you so much, it’s because you lack self-confidence. And, rather than waiting in vain for others to stop criticizing you, it is wiser to learn to trust yourself.
Having confidence in yourself means feeling capable of learning everything you need to learn. So it has nothing to do with feeling extraordinary. No way.
Having confidence in yourself is simply granting yourself the right to learn and progress in life. In other words, it is based above all on action, on improving your skills.
This is why stop asking yourself to be perfect, to know how to do everything. Just ask yourself to be able to learn. No more no less.
This way, you will be better able to deal with criticism, because you will know that you can improve at any time.
Remember: you don’t have to be perfect in this life, you just have to do your best to learn. What do you think?
#02. Know the difference between constructive criticism and destructive criticism
Criticism is part of any learning process. Indeed, it is normal for your teachers, your mentors at work, and your parents to criticize you. These critiques are constructive, in the sense that they aim to show you your areas of progress.
So accept these criticisms. Hear them. Take them into account.
On the other hand, there are destructive criticisms. That is to say that people will come and try to sabotage your self-confidence, to sabotage your very well-being. In other words, they don’t come to show you your areas of improvement, they just come to tell you that you are rubbish.
Take a deep breath. There will always be people like these. So accept that it exists, but don’t take into account what is said.
Let the words slide over you. Over time, it will get easier and easier. Courage! And, find solutions to get away from these people with destructive criticism.
#03. Don’t respond impulsively
What to do when you don’t know how to deal with criticism, whether constructive or not? The key is not to respond impulsively, in other words, not to respond right away.
So, if you recognize yourself in this, get into the habit of taking a breath in and out before responding. It’s a habit that can transform your relationships because you become less impulsive, less impulsive.
So take a deep breath before answering. Always. You will see that your response will be calmer.
#04. Stop criticizing yourself to deal with criticism
To understand why you have so much trouble dealing with criticism, you have to understand that you allow yourself to be treated by others in the same way that you treat yourself.
In other words, if you criticize yourself, you will let the criticism of others hurt you.
On the other hand, if you learn to treat yourself respectfully, you will no longer let the criticism of others hurt you.
Therefore, learn to speak to yourself with more kindness and encouragement. This way, you will let other people’s criticism get to you less and less.
This advice has just transformed my life, I hope it will transform yours too.
#05. Stop criticizing others, become exemplary
In the same way, if you let other people’s criticism get to you, it’s because you are criticizing others.
And if you no longer allow yourself to criticize others, then you will no longer allow others to criticize you.
Exemplary behavior brings great self-confidence.
Because you have good behavior, then you will no longer let others behave badly towards you. You will show more confidence and serenity and thus you will be able to better deal with criticism.
#06. Refocus on your goals
Critics hurt you because you question yourself because of them. And most often, you question your plans and your objectives.
You tend to believe Aunt Germaine when she tells you that she doesn’t believe you will succeed in your project because you have too much trouble speaking in public.
Don’t let Auntie Germaine tell you what you are capable of or not. Remember, you can learn whatever you need to learn. Don’t let criticism put you in boxes. Get out of there. Learn. Improve yourself.
So, constantly refocus on your goals rather than on criticism.
#06. Listen and think about areas for improvement to make it a strength
You still need to listen to other people’s criticism. Because they are extraordinary axes of progression.
Because Auntie Germaine is perhaps not entirely wrong. Indeed, perhaps you lack practice when it comes to public speaking. So, you might wonder how to improve yourself. What actions can you take to become better in this area?
Do you see how you could turn criticism into strengths? Do you see how this could transform your life? So, go for it!
#07. Don’t take criticism personally to deal with criticism
So, there are criticisms that are not at all constructive, criticisms that are completely unfair, unjustified even. Stop taking these personally.
Leave the venom of others to others. Dodge it.
Because you know deep down who you are, so don’t let the words of others make you doubt yourself and your abilities to become who you want to be.
So, lift your head, roll up your sleeves, and learn what you need to learn.
