How to Handle Criticism

Accepting criticism is a tough thing to do and can easily cause friction/tension between people and their relationship with each other. 

When you feel you're doing something perfectly, and then are criticised about it, it's extremely easy to just say that they're wrong and that, you know for a fact, that you're right.

As it happens this is what I used to do, sometimes still do (although still working at not doing), but there are better ways to deal with criticism than what can be sometimes so 'instinctual'. 

1. Why are they saying this?

Firstly, you need to decide why this person or people are telling you this. If it's just as a joke, then of course, there's no harm intended. If it's meant spitefully, because the person or people is/are jealous, then you can just ignore it. 

However, 95% of the time this isn't the case, and the person is genuinely trying to help. So try to look at what you're doing from outside the big picture, meaning you will need to take a large perspective of the situation.

2. Imagine how they feel

Receiving criticism is tough, but sometimes giving criticism is just as, if not harder than receiving it. 

Like I mentioned in point #1, if the person is genuinely trying to help, try to imagine yourself in their position and think how hard this could be for them. They're saying it for a reason, so be thankful that they had the courage to tell you about it.

3. Pride comes before a fall

A problem I have and am really trying to sort out is pride, and the phrase 'pride comes before a fall' really is a true one. Many times we won't accept criticism because we don't like to be wrong or to feel 'less of a person'. I know it sounds silly, but it is a common reason why criticism can't be taken.

I would say that you're more of a person for accepting criticism than rejecting it.

4. Learn from it

Once you've understood why you've been criticised, you can now begin thinking about how you could have gone about the situation better. 

Hindsight is an excellent tool, and if you're really honest with yourself, it can help you to become a better person. 

Learning from experiences (including others) is in my opinion, still one of the greatest ways to improve your actions.

5. Discuss

Discuss with the person/people who directed the criticism your way, what improvements could be made.

Asking for advice (especially from the person giving the criticism) can help strengthen your relationship with that individual, and also shows that you're listening.

Also try to discuss (not argue) why you did it your way, but don't let this let you reject what is being said. Discuss the points they've made and review them in your head. 

If however, you know that their way is a much better idea than yours, you don't really need to discuss the reasons for your point, just go with the flow.

I hope this post has been of help. :)