Criticism can be hard to take in because you are more concerned that someone found a flaw in you instead of trying to work through it. We are all trying to achieve perfection and we feel that when someone gives us criticism, no matter how constructive it may be, it can be an obstacle to being who we want to be.
Understand what is being said.
Instead of finding constructive criticism offensive, break down this criticism to figure out what to do next. Do not be too clouded by the hurtful aspects of what is being said to you to know when someone is trying to help you. If your boss is telling you that you are not putting in a hundred percent of your efforts into your work, remember that your boss is trying to encourage you to do well so that the company can succeed and so you can do better.
Find some truth to what you are being told.
If someone is criticizing you, think of who is telling you this like your teacher, boss, family member, or friend. This can be someone who is looking out for your best interests. If three to ten people have told you that you only think of yourself, you have got to think that hearing the same responses at you must have some truth to them. Consider the possibility that they may be right.
Plan how to move forward.
Whenever you hear someone give you criticism, write down what people say and try to work on it. If your teacher tells you that you are not providing enough detail in your essays, instead of taking offensive to that, let yourself know that you need to do more research and pick more sources to get a variety of information.
Stop making excuses for yourself.
Cutting off people for telling you something you do not want to hear, you will not get the necessary information to improve yourself. Hear them out first before you cut them off.
Thank that person for their honesty.
Think how it must have been hard for that person to give you the honest truth about yourself. They know that you might take offense to what they told you but they knew you needed to hear it. It would show real maturity if you thank that person for telling you something that can make you a better person.
Located in downtown Midland, The Springboard Center’s mission is to offer programs and services to treat alcohol and drug addiction treatment using an evidence based curriculum, 12 step programs, diet, nutrition, exercise, emotional, mental and spiritual development for a long recovery. For more information, please call us at 432-620-0255 as we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
