Criticism: take it like a man

The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.

Rev. Norman Peale 

I’ve yet to meet a single person who actually enjoys being criticized. That’s got to be the world’s most endangered species. Ever.

While it’s true that having our faults dangled before our eyes is probably one of life’s most humbling of experiences, the truth is that criticism offers us the best opportunity to improve. 

Sometimes criticism isn’t couched in the nice, soft wrapping of praise that we’d like. But each time you hear someone point out a flaw, you’re faced with a choice—to take it personally or to take it… like a man.

In the heat of the moment it might be tough to look at your brilliant game plan—or whatever you’ve been working on—objectively. So train yourself to do the following:

1. Clamp your jaw shut and force yourself to step back.
2. Remind yourself that you are human and everything you do will be flawed. 
3.  Make the choice to at least consider what your critics have got to say and then, 
4. Get back out there and try again.

Don’t get bitter, don’t give up. Take it like a man and improve.