Turning Criticism from a Negative to a Positive

Negative Effects of Criticism

Criticism has several negative effects. In this particular we will cover some of the basic ones. No one wants to be criticized, but to think there is nothing that you can improve on is fantasy.

  1. Criticism breeds insecurity.   Insecurity is the opposite of confidence. Criticism can cause you to feel very insecure. Criticism attacks our two basics, value and security. Security is important  to every human being and criticism has a way of robbing a person of it. Criticism attacks the sense of value. Value is a need that is just as important as security is. It is natural to want to be important. Criticism has a way of stripping a person of their sense of importance. In other words, criticism can change what you think of yourself. Also criticism  can change how you value others.
  2. Criticism inhibits creativity. Creativity is the ability to be creative. Criticism can affect creativity in two ways. First, it can stifle a person’s desire to be creative because of the fear of being criticized. Second, once you have been criticized you could become reluctant to try created things. 
  3. Criticisms discourages risk taking. Risk taking is an necessary element of every person, who has the desire to any thing of significance. Risk will always bring the potential for both success and failure. Failure almost always bring criticism. Unfortunately, success sometimes brings criticism. Many times to avoid criticism, people just play it safe and avoid taking of risks.
  4. Criticism fosters ill feelings. It is nearly impossible for the criticized to not develop ill feelings toward the criticizer. Criticism whether is true or not can sting. 

Winston Churchill once said “Criticism is often useful and praise is often deceitful”. The way we view criticism is what gives it, its power. It is all about perspective.

There are three ways you could incorrectly handle criticism. they are:

  • Avoid it
  • Defend it
  • Ignore it

Sometimes it is wise to avoid criticism, sometimes it is wise to defend it and sometimes it wise to ignore it . 

​Steps to reverse criticism

There are a few steps you can take to make criticism your ally. Handling the criticism of others the right way will only may you a better person. Understanding and incorporating these steps will have a powerful effect on you.

 In the other lesson on criticism we discussed why it so dreaded. We gave five reasons how people are effected by criticism negatively. We also touched on three wrong ways to handle criticism.

There are three important steps you can implement to disarm the negative effects of criticism. Anytime you are criticized if you would put these principles into action it will enhance your chances of reversing the negative effects and turn them positive.

First step – Consider the source of the criticism.

 When considering the source there are some specific questions you ask yourself when applying this step.

  1. Who is the critic?
  2. How qualified is the critic?
  3. What did they base their criticism on?
  4. How is the critic motivated?
  5. Is the criticism the result of success or failure?

Second step – Consider how accurate the criticism is and to what degree. 

When considering the accuracy of criticism you need to begin with the source. First, you must consider who the critic is. Second, you might. assess why the criticism came. One of the things the to understand is that many times criticism is nothing more than opinions. 

Third step – Take responsibility to reverse the negative effects of criticism to bring positive results.

Responsibility is the ability to respond. The challenge is to respond rather than react to criticism. To react means to act based upon what has happen to you. In other word reactions are correspondent to actions, but responses are attempts to find resolve or solutions to actions.

 Notice that even in the medical field when a patient receives medications or have surgery the doctors will say that the patient is reacting or responding to the medication or surgery. Reacting in generally perceived as a negative connotation, whereas responding is perceived as a positive connotation. 

You will either lose or gain from criticism. The question is which will you choose. Actions to take.

  • Determine if the criticism is legitimate
  • If the criticism is not legitimate ignore it
  • If you determine the criticism is legitimate, make an effort to respond rather reacting
  • If available consult with someone, who can help you best bring resolve or solutions to the criticism
  • Review the criticism and discover what you could do differently in the future.
  • Make amends if that is necessary

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