How to Deal with Negative Criticism ?

          Negative criticism is expression of disapproval of something or someone on the basis of false or mistakes.

          At some point of your life you will be criticized, sometimes it will be difficult to accept but that all depends on your reaction. You can eithor use criticism in positive way to improve or in negative way to lower your Self-esteem and cause stress, anger.

       

         

         There are two types of criticism - it is either constructive or destructive. Learn to recognise the difference  between the two can help you to deal with criticism you may receive.

It's natural to react on unfair criticism but if you follow below points you will be master of dealing with the negative criticism.

 

 " Appreciate the constructive, ignore    the destructive. " 

                                -  John Douglas

Take negativity positively -
   

       Those people who criticize believe that you are better than they are. Make this point as a source of motivation and do your best. Don't let the opinions of others get in the way of your dreams.

Listen and let go -
   

        The intention behind their critical behaviour is to force you to react. They want to disrupt your peace of mind, they simply don't like you. No matter how perfectly you done your job, they will always make a dissatisfied face. If someone in future you will be dealing with the negative person, don't react instead listen polietly and keep nodding your head. Then nothing bad can happen.

Avoid negative people-
    

        Live with those people who are positive thinker. These people are happy in their life and their company can make you feel happy. 

" The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism. "

                  - Norman Vincent peale

Don't take it personally-
   

        Do not put the keys of your happiness into someone's else pocket. Only when you do not know yourself, the opinion of other people becomes important.

         You have enemies ? Good. That means you have stood up for something sometime in your life. If the criticism doesn't feel valid, shift your focus. Not all the criticism is really about you. It may be sign of someone's jealousy, insecurity or unhappiness.

      

Social media-
   

          It is the worst form of negative media in the modern world. You don't need any qualification to be an expert and you are competent enough to criticize anyone.

         Instead of  spending our lives running towards our dreams, we are often running away from fear of failure or fear of criticism.

Listen before you speak -

         People who provide you with the helpful feedback want you to achieve your goals. Even if it hurts to hear what you did wrong. Remember their intentions and thank the person who gave you constructive criticism. For example someone says that you are lazy, they say it as they want you to be active. So learn to recognize it.

Stay calm - 

            This is the main thing that whatever the situation is don't react in anger, don't react suddenly as this may create a bad image of you. Try to remain calm, delay your response and treat other person with respect and understanding. This way situation remains under control and it shows that you are a stronger person.

            If you loose your control then may be argument occurs so at that time simply walk away until you have time to gather yourself, gather your thoughts, think on it. 

            One of your coworker continues to interrupt you in meetings saying their own ideas. You don't know he or she is aware of doing it. Then you react angrily by saying why are you interrupting me. Instead stay calm and say hey, this is a little uncomfortable but I have noticed that you tend to interrupt me in meetings. I know we are all excited to share our own ideas. But its better if you share your ideas after meetings. What happens ? Do try it.

            

Acknowledge that you might be wrong -

          No matter how harsh the words of someone, think that is their point is right. Its good to be confident in yourself and your abilities but its also important to accept that there is always be someone who knows more than you do. If you stay on your opinion saying that I'm right all of the time then you might lost your opportunities for growth. 

         Keeping a learning mindset when it comes to criticism will bring the most benefit.

Take deep breaths -

  

         To remain calm at such situations is really tough as our brain will automatically respond the criticism as a threat. Taking four deep breaths before responding is an effective way to prevent the brain from instant reacting. 

Gossiping- 
     

          We criticize who is not present at the time of gossiping. Remember Everyone talk behind your back. So stay calm.

" Great mind discuss ideas, average mind discuss events, small minds discuss people."

                           -Eleanor Roosevelt

Don't  rationalize -

          Don't make arguments. For example, when dad came home they asked why I hadn't taken the garbage out. I would respond, " well, dad I was planning on dumping it in a few minutes". 

Don't shift the blame -

          For some people its always fault of others. But guess what ? Those individuals 

Usually end up pretty lonely. We can't control others but we can work on ourselves.

Be deaf to the negative thoughts -

    
         One day a frog decided to reach the top of the tree. All frogs shouted "its impossible, its impossible". Still the frog reached the top. How? Because he was deaf and he thought everyone was encouraging him. Be deaf to negative thoughts if your aim is to reach your goal.

Putting it into practice -

         Practice above things. You have the power to turn this critics into learning experiences or opportunities. Make use of it. 

         Remember when you are striving for excellence, the small stuff matters.

Related : https://positive-attitude