One of My Absolute Favorite Ways to Handle Criticism

I hope you're having a good weekend.

This Sunday I'd like to just quickly share a thought that has become a habit for
me and that helps me to deal with criticism in a better way.

 

It took me many years to start using this one but it has done wonders.

 

It is simply to think this to myself when I receive a piece of criticism:

 

Everyone has the right to their own opinion. And that is OK.

 

Now, this might seem obvious. But for the longest time I was honestly not OK
with that. 

 

I wanted to get everyone to my side, to persuade them to see it my way instead.
I may have hid it but I often got upset that someone did not agree with me. And I
took their certainty in that they had facts on their side - when it was in most cases
just opinions - too seriously and questioned myself too often.

 

This doesn't mean that I don't listen. I can certainly learn from some of the things
people tell me or email me about for example. 

 

And I can still I argue for or be assertive about something when needed (it has
actually become easier because I feel more energetic and focused when I choose
do it nowadays).

 

But being OK with the fact that everyone has the right to their own opinion and
leaving it at that has made me feel less defensive and helped me to not take
criticism too personal or let it cut too deep.

It has helped me to stop questioning myself in cases when I really shouldn't.

And to let go of things more easily.

 

Maybe this simple thought of acceptance can help you too. It can take a bit of
practice to get it too work well (it did for me at least). But using it over and over
again to get there is certainly worth it.

 

Because it has brought me a lot of inner peace and freed up much energy and time
in my life to focus on something better.

 

Take care and have a wonderful  week ahead!

 

Henrik