qHow often do you deal with criticism? Do you often wonder how to handle criticism, especially when you know the other person is wrong? Do you go out of your way to avoid negative feedback?
You are not alone! Let’s face it; there is no shortage of opinions from people. Whether they are a loved one, friend, co-worker, or internet stranger, people will often give you their unsolicited opinion. Even if the opinions are not valid to you.
Is Praise Ruining You?
Before we explore how to handle criticism, it is important to look at your sensitivity.
Criticism is not necessarily bad. It’s the importance you put on it.
Would you much rather have praise than criticism? Wouldn’t everyone? Not really. Take a look at this quote from Norman Vincent Peale
The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.
If this is how you feel, hypnotherapy can help take the emotional “charge” off of criticism. This will help you deal with criticism in a healthier manner.
People Often Have No Ground For Their Criticism
In this day and age, being human seems to give many people a free pass to butt in and voice their opinion even though they know nothing about your life.
Here’s the thing… opinions can help you improve your relationship, performance and even job satisfaction. So take what you need and leave the rest.
You will find out how to handle criticism without getting heated.
Opinions that Matter: Constructive And Deconstructive Criticism
When we hear criticism, it seems like we are being evaluated or judged. Some people often criticize in mean spirit because they are jealous or insecure. Sometimes they are just mean people. This is usually deconstructive criticism.
Others criticize because they are unhappy or frustrated and it is a passive aggressive way to blow off steam. This is another masked form of deconstructive criticism.
And some people are really trying to help. This is usually known as constructive criticism. If you are willing to listen, you may find a nugget or two in the criticism that may improve your situation.
Deconstructive criticism often points out someone’s flaws without offering a solution. Constructive criticism is aimed at helping you find a solution.
How To Handle Criticism The Best Way
Whether criticism helps or hurts, there is a way to deal with it and just move on:
• Listen. Listening to what someone else is saying pulls you out of that knee jerk reaction to being judged and allows you to determine someone’s intentions behind their words.
• Respond. Sometimes the hardest thing we can do is control ourselves. But this is important in this situation. If you can see where even a piece of someone’s advice is helpful, thank him or her. If someone is just being rude, just smile. Let “kill them with kindness” be your mantra and move on.
Don’t fight with rude people. It won’t teach them a lesson. It only drains you of constructive energy you could put somewhere else.
• Be Calm. While you are already stressed, it is often hard to remain calm in the face of criticism. Do what you can each day to stay as stress-free as possible. Because of this, I recommend listening to my hypnotherapy downloads whenever you can to rebalance and stay calm.
Watch this video on Killing Em With Kindness by Selena Gomez
I specialize in panic attack relief, depression and mood related issues. I work to calm your stressors.
If you live in the LA area, I have appointments available in my professional Tarzana office.
Don’t live near me? Or simply don’t want to leave your home? No problem! I also work via Skype or a video chat session. Contact me for more information.
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