There are 2 types of Criticism. Constructive and Destructive. Constructive criticism improves you and is feedback for your work which can be scaled further while destructive criticism is meant to make you feel bad about yourself. People showering destructive criticism themselves suffer from low self worth & in order to feel better about themselves they try to put others down. When you have low self worth, you get offended for constructive criticism but it is something that will add value to you. When your self worth would have improved in the course of time, you will take constructive criticism in stride. And with high self worth, destructive criticism will begin to bother you less and less. You will understand that it's not about you, it's about the person themselves. The following points can help you deal with Destructive Criticism better-
1. It's Not About You
People criticising you destructively are dealing with the feeling of low worthiness. Understand that they are projecting their own insecurities and fear onto you. So do not take destructive criticism personally. Whenever you face destructive criticism, always remind yourself , it's not about you, it's about them.
2. Maintain Distance
If you know someone who repeatedly takes a hit on you and criticises you, try to maintain distance from them if it is possible. Avoid situations where you have to meet them or interact with them. Of course not all scenarios enable you to maintain distance from such people, but if it's in your control, then stay away.
3. Confront Them
If its too much for you to handle their criticism, you might have the urge to answer them back. Instead of that try to confront them with questions like, "are you trying to hurt me?". Else you can remain totally calm and say to them, "thanks for sharing this", and many times, these kind of statements, forces them to stop their behavior. Because their intention is to hurt you and make you feel bad about yourself. And when this doesn't happen they find no purpose in continuing their behavior at all.
4. Increase Your Self Worth
When it is impossible for you to do all of the above, then the best route is to increase your self worth so that you are immune from any sort of outside criticism. Be around people who appreciate you and love you for who you are. Make a list of all your strengths, and read them often in order to regain confidence in yourself. Read my articles on self love & self confidence for helping you with this.
Criticism can be crushing to your soul, but if we take steps to make ourselves strong from the inside, we can become immune to any negativity that is being thrown at us.
Which steps you take to shield yourself from destructive criticism? Comment below and share your thoughts.
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