In Others' Words: Criticism

"Don't mind criticism. If it is untrue, disregard it; if unfair, keep from irritation; if it is ignorant, smile; if it is justified it is not criticism, learn from it." ~Unknown

Criticism.

In the past, I paid  entirely too much attention to critics. Sure, there were some people ready to let me know where I'd been less-than, not enough, or a full-out failure.

And then there was … me. I was more than ready to criticize myself.

Here's what I've learned about criticism: There's always someone ready to criticize. I'd rather be the person to encourage, to motivate, to offer the atta' boy (or atta' girl.) Even so, I'm enough of a realist to know criticism happens. I like this oh-so-wise person's approach to criticism in four easy steps:

Pay no attention to untrue criticism. And realize there's a lot of false "shoulda', woulda', coulda'"  thrown at you.
Realize sometimes criticism is unjust. Throw that little hissy fit in the privacy of your bedroom and get over it.
Don't forget the criticizer may be wrong. Remember this: People (you) look really smart when they keep their mouths shut. (Proverbs 17:28) So, let that gal (or guy) be wrong — and you be smart.
(Wo)man up and accept that the criticism is on the mark. (Ouch!) But don't beat yourself up with the feedback — learn from it. If need be, take a day or two and then unpack it.

In Your Words: How did you handle criticism the last time it came your way — #1, #2, #3 or #4? Or do you have another approach to handling criticism?

 

photo by soho13/stockxchng.com