When I started blogging, I was not prepared for the harsh criticism I received. In my family, feedback was often softened with kindness, so blunt, unfiltered remarks took me by surprise. Instead of using this as a chance to learn and grow, I felt discouraged and stopped writing. Eventually, I realized I needed to change how I dealt with criticism to keep doing what I love.
Why Criticism Can Feel So Tough
Criticism makes me question my abilities and self-worth, and if I don’t handle it well, it can steal my joy and passion. While constructive feedback helps me grow, not all criticism deserves a place in my mind. Still, learning to handle it is necessary for my progress.
My Strategies for Handling Criticism
1. Pause and Take a Breather
When I receive harsh feedback, I take a moment to breathe and clear my mind. Sometimes, stepping away for a short while helps me gain perspective and calm any immediate emotional response.
2. Listen with an Open Mind
For written feedback, I take my time reading through it carefully. For verbal feedback, I listen fully without interrupting. If something is unclear, I ask questions to better understand what’s being said. This helps me absorb the feedback without jumping to conclusions.
3. Separate Emotions from Facts
It’s easy to take criticism personally, but I’ve learned to separate how I feel from what’s being said. Instead of focusing on the sting, I try to find the parts that can help me improve.
4. Assume Positive Intentions (But Be Realistic)
Not everyone criticizes out of malice. I remind myself that feedback often comes from a place of wanting to help, even if it’s delivered poorly. At the same time, I recognize that not everyone’s words deserve my energy or attention.
5. Stay Calm and Respond Respectfully
I’ve learned to stay calm, even if the feedback hurts. Reacting with anger rarely helps. Instead, I express thanks for the input. This doesn’t mean I have to agree with everything but acknowledging it keeps interactions respectful.
6. Reflect and Compare
After receiving feedback, I take some time to reflect. Is there truth in what’s being said? I also compare it to other feedback I’ve received in the past. If similar points come up, it may be an area where I need to grow.
7. Seek Support from Others
Talking to a trusted friend or mentor helps me gain new perspectives on feedback. If the criticism feels especially tough, I might seek advice from a coach or counselor.
8. Take Action Where It Matters
If the criticism is fair and helpful, I create a plan to make improvements. I set specific goals based on the feedback and work toward them. This keeps me proactive and focused.
9. Be Kind to Myself
I remind myself that everyone makes mistakes and faces criticism. When negative thoughts creep in, I counter them with positive self-talk and self-compassion.
10. Focus on Growth
I see criticism as a tool for growth. By continuously adapting and changing my approach based on helpful feedback, I become better at what I do.
11. Let Go and Move Forward
Once I’ve reflected and acted on criticism, I let it go. Holding onto negativity keeps me stuck. I focus on future goals and new opportunities instead of past setbacks.
12. Set Healthy Boundaries
Not all criticism is worth my time. If someone consistently offers harsh or unhelpful feedback, I limit my interactions with them. I also stand up for myself when criticism crosses a line, but I do so firmly and politely.
By taking these steps, I’ve turned harsh feedback into opportunities for growth. This approach keeps me resilient and motivated, turning setbacks into stepping stones for becoming a better writer and person.
2 comments
Impressive
thanks dear.