Dealing With Criticism

Everyone hates being criticized. Most of us can deal it out, but hearing about our own faults is a different story.

Just like most people, I don’t like being criticized. It doesn’t matter who it’s from – family, friends, co-workers, classmates, teachers or employers.

Life, it seems, is full of critiques and lessons to be learned. During the early years of our lives we are in a structured learning environment: school. We tend to think that once we’re finished with school, we will be free from the oppression of learning. As I near the end of my college experience, I am realizing that is a false hope.

The truth is, we never stop learning. Opportunities to grow and be challenged will continue to confront us our whole lives. This is what life is all about, learning and growing so that we might help others. I have come to the conclusion that the sooner we learn to deal with criticism in a healthy manner, the better off we will be.

Two ways of dealing with criticism that I have learned include listening with humility, and not taking it personally. Pride can obstruct our ability to remain open to new ideas, especially when they involve our ego. Not taking things personally involves our self-esteem. Both of these options require practice and effort.

Are there any tips to handling criticism that you have learned?