Question: What is the best way to respond to criticism?
Answer: Whenever you feel criticized, the first thing to do is determine whether you are being criticized or whether you are simply being given feedback about yourself. If it is feedback and not criticism, you would be wise to listen carefully and respond appropriately. Is there something being shared with you that you need to hear? It is foolish to defend against feedback that might reflect areas of unconsciousness within you.
But in an unconscious world, people are often critical or judgmental. It is important that you do not take on that energy. It has nothing to do with you. At some level, they feel judged or criticized themselves. They are still living with those energies, which most likely originate in their childhood and they will project that onto you rather than feel that hurtful energy within themselves. It is an avoidance strategy.
The question for you is: Why do you take it on? It is your need for approval or acceptance that causes you to take on the judgments or opinions of others. If you did not need their approval or acceptance, then their judgments or criticisms would not affect you.
Therefore, I suggest that you bring to consciousness all the ways that you lose yourself in others by seeking approval or acceptance, and then gently disengage from that behavior. It will lead to freedom. You will no longer be giving your power away to others.
Finally, I would say that it is toxic to associate with people who are continually judging or criticizing you. Share with them that it is not acceptable to you. If they persist, then consider terminating your association with them. But do so out of love for yourself and with compassion for them, and not as a judgment of them.
Great call to end toxic relationships. We can only help others if they want to be helped.
Many people do not take the time to step back and look at whether another is criticizing their Self as a person or the choice or action they took.
So many times the criticism not about the person, but they as a person take it as a person attack.
But here is the question I have to ask.
Why would anyone criticize any other, when encouragement will accomplish the same result with less of a chance of feeling personally attacked.
This just get down to the very simple point.
Human’s do not really understand how to communicate with each other.
There is often no diplomacy used.
A number of years ago my brother has a little plaque and on it was the term………
Diplomacy = The ability to tell a person to go to hell in such a nice way that they look forward to the trip.
Words can make the difference!
When are humans going to learn to really use them successfully?
Rick Schuster
How do you respond to criticism?
Depends on the source, the intention, and whether or not it was openly solicited or asked for.
A little saying I have when either I myself or someone else comes to me and says they’re feeling as though they are being continuously criticized and critiqued, and that nothing they ever do is thought good enough, or right, is to consider the source.