3 Ways to Own Criticism like a Boss
By: Ryan Ng
Tags: Anger, Criticising, Hate, Comment, Criticism

From time to time, you face criticisms. No matter if it’s from the internet, or from that friend you value a lot. It just happens.

Truth is, criticism is kind of ingrained in humans. It’s a natural reaction that comes from people’s emotional side. Bad criticism happens whenever you’re jealous or discontented, allowing emotions to dictate your actions. When emotions take place, things go bad. For most people, they express their negative emotions on other people. Hence, criticism becomes the most common method of doing so.

Then, there is good criticism. It may be from your boss. It may be from that lady next door (… or maybe not). The difference between good and bad criticism is the intentions of them. Good criticisms are focused on making you better, while bad ones are focused on making the person who said that better.

Photo by Alex Iby on Unsplash

Nevertheless, criticisms are unavoidable. Hereby, I introduce to you 3 ways you can take them like a champ.

1. Pity the haters

“When someone judges you, it isn’t actually about you. It’s about them and their own insecurities, limitations, and needs.”

Think about a past experience when you were criticised. Maybe that annoying someone who laughed at you for being a coward. Or that random guy who finds you awkward and weird. If you take a closer look at these people, the things that they said to you somewhat applies to them. Why?

It’s because they are highlighting and focusing on these negative traits. They amplify it even when it’s subtle or insignificant. Why?? It’s because they see these traits on themselves. We all know humans are quite the egotistical creatures by nature. That means people who pin-point the bad things about you, ultimately, isn’t really about you… but about them.

Next time you encounter that, pity for them. Genuinely ask if they are okay. Trust me, they will be shocked.

2. Find one thing to learn from each criticism

As the saying goes, there are two sides to every coin. Criticism can be beneficial to you in two ways: from the comment itself, or from the person initiating it. For instance, either the comment is useful or that person gave you a new perspective to things.

When it comes to such opinions, either you agree or disagree. If you agree to it, take the criticism wholeheartedly and try to really improve. If you disagree, there are much more you can do instead of expressing your discontent. Why is that person even saying that? Is that something to do with his or her character or past experiences? Why would they think such a criticism makes sense to them, but not to you? In some cases, these opinions of others can greatly reflect them as a person, more than any other forced introductions or lunch breaks.

Nevertheless, there is always something to learn from each criticism. You just have to find it yourself. In time, it becomes natural for you to do so.

3. Say “Thank You”

Again, this is an ambiguous method. You can offer a genuine “thank you”, or a sarcastic one. Anyhow, it’s going to strike the effect you want. With that being said, if someone truthfully points out something you can improve on, thank them with a courteous smile. If they are mocking you, thank them too, but with an exaggeration in your emotions (let it be surprise, humour or sarcasm) If you don’t know if they mean it or not, still, say thank you. That will keep them guessing.

Whenever you’re faced with such situations, don’t think about some witty comeback or some malicious revenge plan. Just remember these two words.