The Heart Of It | Criticism

1.23.2018


JUST SWALLOW

Criticism is the worst part of trying something new. Feedback is a tough thing to swallow because to me it means failure. That my capabilities or work isn't enough. Perhaps criticism has been aimed towards your personality. Gosh can that make you feel low. I know it has for me. 

Certain criticism needs to be shut down immediately. At times it isn't all true or right for you to hear. But, if you are a college student like me trying to figure out where all the pieces fit, than you've probably received a lot of criticism too. 

I've learned that criticism doesn't always mean you are wrong. Sometimes it means you are on the right track. It simply means you are worth critiquing. I just absolutely loved hearing that from one of my dear professors. It has helped me so much to overcome this feeling I have had for so long. I've carried around this pressure to be perfect in order to never receive comments that suggested otherwise, but that isn't the point. 

At the end of the day, I cannot please everybody. I will never be perfect. Honestly, that is okay. Providing a filter towards the harsh criticism that comes my way though is healthy. Instead of letting it eat at me, I can absorb the comments and discern which to listen to. 

For me though, it runs deeper than just accepting my imperfections compared to others. It has to do with holding onto every praise from others. Just as we shouldn't become obsessed with criticism, I should be with people's compliments either. If I live for one's approval, I will die of their criticism. 

I hope my thoughts can help you in anyway possible. I began to type and the words kept flowing. As I was told, "You can be the juiciest peach, and someone will hate peaches." 

9 comments

  1. LOL, so true! But you be that peach - the world is a better place because of them! :) When I get down I remember what my dear ol' wise advisor, Dr. Seuss told me in Oh the Places You will Go. "Say what you mean and mean what you say, for those who mind don't matter and and those who matter don't mind! ;)

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    1. Oh I've heard that before, and I love it!! Thanks for sharing that with me.

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  2. Great post! Criticism can be tough to hear at first but it's so beneficial when it helps you grow and develop. I used to fear it when I first started working in advertising. But the constructive criticism has helped me learn so much within my industry!

    I also try to remind myself that I'm not here to please everyone.

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  3. I love this girl! So true. Discernment is needed to figure out what to act on and what to shake off! PS: I loved this " If I live for one's approval, I will die of their criticism."

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    1. Yes!! I found that quote too while gathering inspiration for this post! :)

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  4. Love the peach quote!! So true! It's such a hard emotional, thoughtful battle to accept the words that might push you to be better but leave behind the lies just meant to hurt.

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  5. Criticism is always best served with a spoonful of sugar. When I am asked to critique someone, I attempt to at least be kind in the deliverance. I also follow up with the "sugar" and offer the positive re-enforcement needed for the situation at hand.

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