What I feel about criticism…

I am reminded of an anonymous quote on criticism ‘In the privacy of our hearts, there are only two possible ways to receive criticism: badly or worse’. I just cannot agree more. 

The dictionary definition of criticism is ‘the act of passing judgment as to the merits of anything’. Expressing what one feels about something done by another person. The critic usually would have a set standard in mind and in 90% of the cases the work done by another person will fall short of this standard and negative criticism is the result. 

Lets get honest, when faced with criticism however matured a person might be, the first reaction would be one of ‘defense’. Maybe outwardly the person might laugh it off, but in the depth of the heart there will be a wave of resentment. An emotional reaction (usually negative and temporary) against the critic is but obvious. Even if a rebuke did not follow the critical comment, there will be a sulking time where the loved ones of the person being criticized get tortured by the minute details of all that happened and how his/her feelings are hurt. 

However between the chasms of the external ‘cool’ reaction and the internal ‘hot’, there should be a plain ground where there is some scope to learn from criticism. The first thing to feel happy about is that there is someone who really cares for your development (I am discounting off irresponsible negative criticism when I say this). One should dispel the external circumstances, ego and consider the point conveyed as a different way of looking at the same thing. One should use ones mind rather than the heart to consider the merits of the criticism and should definitely make an honest sincere attempt to improve if the situation so calls for. 

After all, the tough gets going. If one views criticism with an unbiased mind and transform every single situation into a productive opportunity only the sky is the limit…