In a world filled with opinions and critic, avoiding critics is inevitable. There is no way to do away with critics; in personal relationships and at work, their voices are everywhere. However, very useful as it might be, to let other people run your life may be very costly in terms of personal growth and unhappiness. It is always advisable to think independently with decisions touching on life, than to have others chart a way for your life.
Know the Difference between Constructive and Destructive Criticism
The foremost thing is to learn how to differentiate between the two. Criticism can only be unhealthy when it aims at pulling down a person, with definite attacks or accusations, instead of indicating that the person should change certain points and contain suggestions that are relevant. When this feedback stems from sincere concern and motivation, it is definitely helpful criticism.
However, destructive criticism is usually founded on negativity, envy, or even a motive to destroy the recipient's self-assurance. Such forms of feedback are unhelpful and need not be given excessive importance in decision-making.
Prove the Critics Wrong
The need to act according to the critics can really be an inhibition to creativity and innovation. History is full of people who have achieved great heights by ignoring the critics. Think of Thomas Edison, whose teachers insisted that he was "too stupid to learn anything," or J.K. Rowling, who garnered hundreds of rejection letters before "Harry Potter" swept the world off its feet. Because they chose to believe in their visions and capabilities, they did not give in to negative criticisms by other people, and instead went on to make huge contributions in their fields and to lots of other people's lives.
Preserve Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
It is giving too much power to critics that eats into the self-esteem and self-worth. One is always running after others' nods for their own self-validation. It is very essential to develop a strong sense of self and inner confidence. That involves setting personal goals and standards, by which one judges oneself, rather than by some external opinions. If people base their self-worth on their own achievements and values, they will hardly be affected by the criticisms of others.
Personal Relationships
Other critics might be personal relationships. Friends, family, and others frequently feel they have a right and that they are doing you a favour with all of their unasked-for advice and opinion. Well intentioned, these are the kind of people who do not know the totality of the situation, what it is you dream and desire, and what your potentials really are, as well - this is significant. So living life by others' approval will bring life of non-fulfilment, resentment, etc. To begin with, stay happy and be concerned about your happiness, live your life without hurting anybody, and then make a decision which must enfold and go hand in glove with one's values and goals.
Navigate Social Media Criticism
The influence of critics has but shot upwards with the ascent of social media. In online fora, they now have a megaphone to express their opinions, most of which are anonymous and unaccountable. Comment clouds, likes, and shares can create the impression of consensus, lending significance to others' opinions. Keep things in perspective and remember that most social media feedback is fleeting and superficial, anyway. After all, only high-calibre opinions—that is, respectful and knowledgeable ones—are the ones that actually count.
Cultivate Resilience and Emotional Intelligence
To be able to navigate criticism, building resilience and emotional intelligence helps in bouncing back from negative feedback and sticking to the goal. Emotional intelligence involves understanding and managing one's own emotions and empathizing with others' feelings. When one cultivates these characteristics, this allows him to filter which of these criticisms are worth considering and which can be just dismissed.
While it is true that critics come with life, one should not allow them to take command—learn to separate constructive criticism from destructive feedback in order to stay in charge and confident. Nobody will ever manage to get past criticism without losing focus on their aspirations and holding dearest values unless they learn how to believe in themselves, set personal standards, and find happiness from within. In the end, it is the opinions toward living a full and true life that matter from within you.
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