How to respond to criticism constructively

Criticism in the broad sense of the word means direct or indirect pointing out to a person his shortcomings, problems or mistakes. While discussing some people, others express subjective assessment of his actions, way of life.

No one is perfect, in a lifetime a person can hear a lot of criticizing words. But is discussing others so bad? The answer to this question can be viewed from two angles.

Types of criticism

Responding to attacks from the environment is not an easy task. People react to them in different ways. But if a person receives a remark in his address deservedly, it is a reason to think and try to correct the situation. Otherwise, it is just a mockery and does not carry any meaning, except for the rethinking of personal attitude to the offender.

Criticism can be of many kinds. It is divided into two types:

• constructive;

The first of them is considered useful, thanks to which one can draw conclusions and become better. Human improvement always leads to new discoveries, endeavors, cognition of oneself. It is expressed factually, objectively and neatly pushes to correct the mistake.

But the second one is unhelpful. It usually sounds harsh, can cause resentment and insecurity, ruin and downplay previous successes. Its purpose is to humiliate, denigrate and exaggerate the extent of shortcomings.

Discussing a person from the outside hurts a person’s self-esteem

Everyone has their own self-esteem, pride and self-respect. Some people are easily hurt and upset by criticism, while others do not take other people’s opinions to heart.

Reactions to criticism may be different depending on a person’s temperament type, external and cultural data, environment and occupation.

The concept of fair criticism

The objectivity of outside opinion always plays an important role. It is creative for someone who wants to improve both externally and internally. Psychology experts do not advise ignoring fair criticism.

Avoiding the fact that there are flaws doesn’t solve the problem. It is simply glossed over, dismissed, and avoided subsequent conversations about it. This can lead to a worsening of the situation.

Linking self-assessment to observation, discussion

Any criticism can undermine self-esteem. But objective criticism in turn can hurt and encourage you to change the situation, to change yourself. But remarks in the form of bullying knock out most even adult people. That is why well-mannered and tolerant people choose their expressions before saying their disagreement or remark in someone’s address.

Responding effectively to criticism

Training the inner core for a person is important. A person’s perception of criticism can be divided into three types:

• Getting upset, taking it painfully or aggressively.
• To accept and act in ways that make you better, to solve problems dictated by the situation.
• Occupy neutrality. Not reacting to other people’s opinions, although it is not easy to do this completely. The average person cannot do it completely.

It is commonly believed that adequate response to shortcomings can be trained. On wedaf.com it is convenient to find a companion or a good comrade and practice reacting to objective, fair criticism.

Effective attitudes to outside discussion:

• Identifying the source of the criticism. It is important to understand whether it is worth listening to a particular criticism from a particular person. It is necessary to understand whether it is worth believing him or her, whether he or she evaluates the opponent objectively, whether he or she is an expert in his or her field.
• “No” to over-thinking. Not all criticism should be taken at face value. Not everyone is able to distinguish between personal dislike and an objective opinion on the shortcomings of the same person.
• “No response.” Not responding to the attacks of others is often considered a useful skill. No one is perfect and it is impossible to please everyone. Getting upset at any other opinion is definitely not advised even by experts.

Openness and gratitude for attention to one’s own person, even through criticism, should not affect a person’s general condition and self-esteem. Restrained perception generates self-confidence, while listening to it only allows one to look at oneself from a different perspective.

How to quickly calm down in a stressful situation

In any emotional situation, psychologists advise to apply several techniques to bring the emotional state to normal after a shock. The main ones are:

• Counting from one to ten and vice versa.
• Performing a deep inhalation and exhalation.
• Discontinuing further development of the topic.
• Making notes and drawings in the form of strokes. This is necessary to release negative emotions.
• Performing distracted chores.

Each person chooses for themselves the best way to distract themselves from excitement or resentment.