How did you learn to take criticism well?

20 comments

1. Depends on how it’s said and who says it, if a friend gives me criticism for something I take it to heart and do what I can to improve

   When someone I barely know gives me criticism I tell them to screw off.

2. When I am able to really listen to the words and weigh their value and take my ego out of it, I can take criticism well. That said, it’s still quite a struggle for me.

3. haven’t learned that yet. internally, at least. i’ve gotten better about responding to their criticism if it’s valid in a healthy way but i will obsess over it in my head, especially if my egos in the way.

4. The only way to take criticism well is to put yourself in situations where you have no choice but to take it on the chin and keep it moving

5. “Turn down the volume and watch the picture.”

   Basically, don’t react, but rather listen.

6. I think a huge problem is with criticism (especially towards women) is that sometimes the criticism is not needed. For example, if someone says you’re too bossy or too aggressive with your wording and actions, it might be because you are using (what society may determine) masculine attributes and it threatens certain people. But on the other hand, criticism about your work/attitude/etc may be completely valid. I think a lot of introspection and examining what you did and comparing it to how you would have seen it if you were on the receiving end will definitely help. If you think that what you did was ok and not worthy of criticism because if you had been on the receiving end, you and others you have interacted with would be ok with it, then it should be fine to rebuke that criticism. But if you don’t, then accept the criticism and prove them wrong. Tbh, proving someone wrong and using their criticisms to better yourself always helps.

7. By criticising myself harsher than anyone else ever could.

   Don’t do this 🙂

8. I like the saying “don’t take criticism from someone you would never go to for advice” and this has gotten me far.

   I was also a really sensitive kid who took everything personally. Once I got through mean girls of middle school, I was much better off.

9. I was in a creative field so you just get used to it. I think you learn to separate work from you as a person.

10. I grew up with a musical family. Generations of musicians. When I started learning as a kid, constructive criticism was part of life. I’ve never minded CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. In fact I appreciate it a lot. When someone believes in me enough to want to help me improve, I can dig it.

    I don’t take criticism well if it’s not constructive. Then it’s just an unsolicited opinion. The subjective taste of a person with usually no palate for the topic.

11. Well, if you really think about it, criticism (either from ourselves or from others) is what helps put our thought processes, concepts/theories, decisions, behaviour, actions etc., to question for assessment and reevaluation. Without questioning ourselves, every now and then (especially about our beliefs), we get stuck and can’t grow. E.g. there’s no surer way of getting foolisher than when we think we’re right all the time.

    I would add though that one of the most important things to know/learn about criticism is when to take it and when to shake it. A good piece of advice is to not take criticism from someone you wouldn’t go to for advice.

    Once we see criticism for its potential (to help us grow and improve ourselves) we can filter/assess it accordingly. And anything that is just meant to hurt and break us down, we can disregard. Just because someone throws rotten apples at you doesn’t mean you have to eat them, right?

    I personally see criticism as either…

    SUNLIGHT – criticism that can help us to readjust and grow stronger into the right direction.

    WATER – criticism that can help nourish us and grow faster.

    And last but not least…

    COMPOST – which is criticism only worth using as such…stick it in the ground and don’t take it to mind (or to your nose for that matter). You’ll still grow better and stronger (in spite of it and even because of it).

12. i simply view it as someones way of trying to help me, unless they said it in a jackass way

13. It’s all about how it’s given.

    9/10 I’ve probably thought it because we are our own worst critics.

    But when someone is very blunt or rude it can take me a minute to *hear* their point.

14. I am very comfortable with who I am, so I don’t take it personally. I understand that some people will inevitably not like certain things about me, but I’m more concerned with whether or not I like those things about myself. I’m working to improve myself, but I don’t have to do it in the ways others see fit. Self awareness and self acceptance has helped a lot.

15. I was a music major. The entire five years I spent getting my degree was filled mostly by people way better than me in every way criticizing me all day; constructively of course! You get used to it after a while.

16. i just stopped caring.

17. My dad was my biggest fan but also my biggest critic. He helped me build very tough skin. I would say he was fair/balanced. He didn’t want my ego getting too big but he also didn’t want me having low self esteem. He did a good job highlighting my strengths while educating me on my weaknesses. This plus being a long term athlete helped me learn how to become a coachable person.

    I feel like things like cancel culture and social status make others afraid of learning and becoming teachable. Society puts pressure on people to constantly be on point and make few to no mistakes. Which creates a defensiveness that causes people to be afraid of feedback.

    It’s hard to be teachable when the consequences for making honest mistakes are so high these days. I really don’t blame people at this point

18. Criticism is very important in my life. I take criticism in a healthy way and if I want to and see that I made mistakes I basically learn and become a better person. Ofc I don’t do this for the others,I do this for myself. Because the harshest criticism comes from me

19. If you respect the person it’s coming from then it should be taken well. If it’s coming from someone who’s opinion you daf about then in one ear out the other

20. Don’t hate the player, hate the game.

    Criticism is hard to give – if you’re my parent, sibling, Spouse, kid …. I will only criticize you when it’s 100% necessary. If I didn’t care – or if I think that YOU should care … I’ll tell you as gently and reassuringly as I can.

    If you criticize me to stop me from getting in my own way – I appreciate that – I’d rather receive that feedback in a safe place and with a safe person.

    If your being a judgmental twat… well, that’s going to end a whole lot different that the other (nice way)

    I try to weigh out “in what spirit was the criticism delivered ???” And go from there.

    If you’re important to me – I’ll take it to heart

    If you’re just an asshole – I won’t even let you finish your thought.

    If you’re my employee I will follow every labour law and rule to a “T” and in the spirit of always try to be better and change what I can for the good.