I know you are wondering why I post so many different topics. It is because I do want you to get bored. By changing the issues often, you never know the day will have to share with you.

For the next three days, I will have articles regarding criticism. Its importance and how to handle it. So, let’s get started!

Being criticized never feels good. It can make you feel judged, as though you are not good enough no matter how hard you try. Most people’s reaction to criticism is to get defensive, make excuses, or blame someone else. None of those options are incredibly constructive.

It is up to you how you choose to react to criticism. You can see it as a personal attack, or you can embrace it, get the positives out of it, and move on. If you feel skeptical about criticism having any benefits, here are some excellent reasons why you should embrace it.

• Use Criticism for Personal Growth

Often, criticism has more than a grain of truth in it, even if delivered a bit harshly. That is partly why it makes you uncomfortable—deep down, it rings true, even if you do not want to admit it.

Think of criticism as another element in your development toolbox, one that offers insight you might otherwise miss. If nothing else, observing and managing how you react to criticism can shine a spotlight on your triggers, your unconscious reactions, and assumptions.

• Develop Emotional Resilience

Criticism usually comes laden with emotions. You feel shame, upset, and attacked. Learning to embrace criticism can help you become more emotionally resilient as you learn how to sit with your uncomfortable emotions instead of blindly reacting.

Practicing detachment takes you to a mental place where you can use your problem-solving skills. You can listen, assess, analyze, and work out what lessons to take away from experience.

Embracing criticism can also help you step away from needing other people’s approval to feel good about yourself. Once you see criticism as potentially helpful feedback, it stops being a judgment of you as a person.

• Improve Relationships

Once you stop reacting (or over-reacting) to feedback, you allow more space for openness, honesty, and better communication. People can talk to you about problems without feeling they have to walk on eggshells.

Embracing criticism makes for much better relationships as there are fewer barriers or ‘no go’ areas. You do not want to be prickly, complicated, or defensive, nor do you want to have your self-worth depend on other people’s reasonable opinion of you.

• Boost Self-Confidence

Embracing criticism will free you from the curse of perfectionism. You can accept that making mistakes is human and that being criticized is okay, even helpful. Accept that criticism is part of everyday life, and you will be more confident, happier, and freed up to be your best you.

Until next time, please stay safe, keep the faith.