Posted by It’s important to be resilient when being criticised. Here are six tips.
1. Listen Up
The disapproval of others may trigger a fight-flight-or-freeze response (as if you’re being “attacked”), our bodies react automatically. Figure out whether the criticism is constructive or simply rude.
2. Respond Calmly and Ask Around
Be respectful no matter what, and thank someone if the feedback is useful. If the critique is simply rude, respond with a smile as this makes you the bigger person.
If it’s the first time you’ve received such critique, find out if the view is more widely shared. Is it valid, or the opinion of just one person?
3. Apply The Criticism To Your Role, Not Yourself
We tend to take things personally that are not personal at all.
4. Manage Stress
When we’re constantly on edge, we can feel out of control and unable to respond to criticism with a clear head. So take a deeeep breath to keep those stress levels in check.
Meditate. Even just 5 minutes a day can work wonders. I highly recommend the app Calm (see here).
5. Connect
Criticism tends to withdraw us from others. Reach out instead.
6. Develop A Stomach For It And Keep Goin’
Many strive to be likeable, but it is an illusion to believe that you’ll ever be universally beloved. Realise that then you can face the realities and benefits of diverse opinions and value the parts of yourself disliked by others.
Know what your strengths are and don’t let other people’s opinions keep you from working hard towards a goal.