Life involves criticism in some degree. There will always be some who will criticize your work, no matter what you do. Though it might be demoralizing, criticism is not always a negative thing. If taken positively, actually it provides you with a lesson to learn how to utilize it wisely to your beneficial.
I want to tell you about a young, talented artist who is prepared to leave his imprint on the world.
There was this fresh-out-of-school painter. Painting a stunning landscape and putting it on show in a busy public area, he was keen to demonstrate his abilities. I am new to painting, so please point out any errors you observe, he wrote on a sign he attached.
The painter was astounded to find his work covered in Xs when he returned later that day. Every defect they could detect had been noted in writing all over it. Crying, the painter fled home, terribly dejected.
Seeing how agitated he was, the painter’s master inquired as to his problem. When the artist told him about the criticism he had gotten, the maestro grinned. Ignore not, he said. I will demonstrate to you how to handle criticism.
The artist returned to the public square the following day with the master. The artist unveiled a fresh artwork, this one original to him. “I am new to painting, so please correct any mistakes you see,” the placard he attached read.
No one touched up the artwork while the master and the painter waited. A month later the artwork remained unfinished.
Surprised was the painter. How come nobody has fixed your artwork, he questioned.
Because, the master explained, there are no errors. “The folks that attacked your painting were merely exposing their own fears. They attempted to dismantle you out of fear that they could not paint as well as you.
The narrative thus shows us that criticism frequently revolves more around the critic than it does around the target of the criticism. People that criticize quickly frequently reveal more about their own fears than they do about the person they are condemning.
Recall that criticism is not invariably negative. Actually, provided you learn how to utilize it wisely, it may be beneficial. Try to view criticism you receive as a chance to develop and learn. Give it no more reason to depress you.
The need of believing in your own skills is also demonstrated in the story. You will never be really satisfied if you are always looking to other people for approval. Even when others don’t think well of you, you must be able to believe in your own judgment.
The story serves as a useful reminder as well to use caution while offering criticism to others. Should we constantly bring out the shortcomings in the work of others, we can be preventing them from realizing their greatest potential. Rather, we want to concentrate on giving helpful critique that can enable others to do better job.
Criticism typically comes into two categories:
- Feedback intended to help someone become better is known as constructive criticism. Respectful, doable, and specific.
- Critique that is destructive is directed at bringing someone down. It is hurtful, ambiguous, and ineffective a lot of the time.
Try to ascertain whether criticism you get is beneficial or detrimental. See it as a chance to learn and develop if it is constructive. Should it be harmful, make an effort to ignore it or, if need, keep your distance from the source.
Never forget that tastes vary among people. A mistake could not be seen as such by another individual. And what one individual finds defective, another might see as a distinctive style.
Try to be receptive and think that the critic might be right if you get criticism. But don’t let comments stop you from going for your goals.
These are some pointers for handling criticism:
- Give the critique your whole attention. Though you disagree with it, don’t write it off right away.
- Should you be unclear about the critique, ask for explanation.
- Think very hard about the criticism. Exists any truth in that? Anything you might learn from it?
- Thank the individual for their input. Thanking the individual for taking the time to provide you criticism is still courteous even if you disagree with it.
- Frustration should not depress you. Maintain your work if you believe in it.
Recall that criticism is not invariably negative. Actually, provided you learn how to utilize it wisely, it may be beneficial. The next time you get criticism, therefore, try to consider it as a chance to improve.
Here we go if you would want to dive into the topic a little bit more. Various kinds of criticism are listed below:
- Comments used to assist someone do better work is called constructive criticism. Usually provided in a supportive and helpful manner, it concentrates on particular areas that need work.
- A wider phrase for any kind of information provided to someone regarding their job is feedback. It could be presented in a number of ways and be good, negative, or neutral.
- Criticism of someone else’s work is known as negative feedback. Though it can be useful in pointing up areas that need work, providing critical criticism should be done so politely and constructively.
- Though sometimes harsher and more judgmental, negative criticism is comparable to negative feedback. If it is not presented constructively, it may be harmful.
- Positive criticism is comments that are essentially constructive. It may be inspiring for the recipient and useful in pointing up aspects that are doing well.
- Critique that is professional is that which is provided by an expert. One could be a mentor, a teacher, or a professional critic.
Though it should be received and given constructively, criticism may be a very effective tool for development. Correctly applied, criticism can advance our creative development and result in better work. Although it’s not always easy to hear criticism, it can be a great chance to develop personally. If you are receptive to criticism, it can advance your writing, artistic endeavors, or anything else you do.
