In our devices' relentless flow of messages, an insidious contagion spreads quietly, and the persistent hum becomes our era's voice. Surrounded by an incessant buzz of notifications, we react with likes, comments, retweets, and labels. Every day, we sift through thousands of messages, each claiming only fleeting moments of our attention. We briefly engage before scrolling on, feigning conversations, critique, and connection with those physically absent.
Hidden behind colorful stickers, endless streams of images, and amusing memes that uplift us lies the allure of dopamine addiction to screens. It fuels our desire to project a perpetually happy, intelligent, and unique persona in a world of eternal positivity, where any form of critique is dismissed as "trolling."
In the era of social media, we've blurred the lines between getting likes and facing criticism. Real-life critiques, even when valid, can plunge us into despair. Without the protective shield of our screens, criticism can make us feel vulnerable, interpreting it as an attack rather than an attempt to help. Often, critiques aren't negative. They're opportunities to learn and grow. For this, here are six tips to turn criticism into a positive force.
Tips to help you accept criticism
1. Keep Your Cool
It's common to feel protective of work you've dedicated time and effort to when facing criticism. When facing such a situation, take a breath and stay calm. Appreciate the time they took to review it. Listen without getting defensive. Remember, considering their viewpoint doesn't mean you agree, but it might offer valuable insights for improvement.
2. Focus On Constructive Criticism
When criticized, there might be differing points. Categorize comments by relevance and seek clarity if needed. Next, identify areas for improvement and apply them.
3. Stay Humble
Upon receiving criticism, our first reaction may be to doubt the critic's credibility, driven by anger. However, if the critic is an expert in your field, their insight matters. Being talented doesn't mean being flawless. When hearing from someone more experienced, refrain from arrogance. Take time to consider their perspective before dismissing it.
4. Be Positive
The online world distorts our view, often labeling any critique as trolling. However, amidst harsh comments, most who engage with your work have genuine intentions, including mentors and managers, who are often seen as tough critics. They aim to help you grow by pointing out flaws and guiding improvements. Don't take it personally. Instead, seek to learn from their feedback.
5. Avoid Overreacting
Let's face it: not everyone will appreciate your work. Esteemed figures in various fields have faced detractors, too. There will always be critics, some of whom may be hostile. Accept their comments, but don't let their opinions shake your confidence.
6. Be Open For Criticism
Others' insights surpass mere “likes.” Feedback offers depth, detail, and both positive and negative perspectives. It encompasses both the positive and negative aspects of things. The truth is that perfection is far-fetched, and every work can improve, so rather than resisting criticism, embrace it as a tool for growth.
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