How To Handle Criticism 😳

Criticism - they can be either your greatest friend or your worst enemy, depending if you know how to handle them.

📌 Rule No.1: If you respect the person, listen to them and improve. If you don’t respect the person, who cares?

It’s really that simple. You know how they say you shouldn’t take advice from someone who is not in a place you want to be in? This is essentially the same rule.

If a person you don’t even respect that well tells you something mean - screw them. ⚠️

Who wants opinions from a person who feels comfortable doing that kind of stuff anyway? Do you think Beyonce gives a damn about randos leaving mean comments under her posts? Exactly! 👋

Some people just root for your failure. Don’t give them the pleasure of it affecting you. ⭐

However, if a person you respect gives you constructive criticism - take it. Why? Because it most probably comes out of a good place.

Don’t let your ego get in the way of you improving. We are not born knowing everything and there is no shame in trying again and trying differently. ♻️

📌 Rule No.2: Create an internal calm

No matter who is giving you criticism, sometimes they can induce anger because you feel inadequate _{(and let me blow your mind some more: that’s also why criticisms from your parents, for example, hurt more - because you feel like you are not enough for the person who was the most important to you since you’ve been alive).}

Become aware of the feelings that are rising up, acknowledge them and then turn on your big girl brain and take a deep breath.💨

Don’t rush to answer, take a second. Turn on your logical brain and access the situation from the state of calm.🧠

📌 Rule No.3: Respond, don’t react

Now that we turned on our logical brains, we can think of the most appropriate answer. 💪

👉 If the criticism is just (right) - don’t bother justifying yourself, coming up with excuses or being defensive. Just take it and try to do better. 

After all, it is stepping stone to become a better version of yourself.

👉 If the criticism was not just - also don’t bother explaining. Instead, set boundaries. 🎯

For example, if your cousin you see once in a blue starts yapping about your “poor life choices”, instead of getting all flustered and giving him a reaction, you could respond with: “Thank you so much for your valuable insight that was definitely asked for, now I would like to talk about something else or you can keep on going without me.’’

📌 Rule No.4: Show your appreciation

Giving well-intended criticism isn’t easy. Have you ever been in a situation where you want to tell your friend she didn’t really do her make-up well, or that perhaps she should start making healthier life choices?

It’s hard! 💥

So, if a person you respect and love gives you well-intended criticism - show your appreciation. Those are people who want to see you win. ❤️

📌 Rule No.5: Be the better person

If the criticism was not well-intended, take the higher road. Don’t attack the attacker. They’re already miserable enough. Being in their own mind is a punishment. 👨🏻‍⚖️

Not only will others admire you more, but you will also feel better about yourself.

Use the obstacles on your path to grow into your best future self. You got it boo.

Sending you love and light,

Your Glowing Bestie 💖