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How do I Accept Constructive Criticism to Become a Better Person?

Everyone has had it happen. You ask for feedback, you say you want feedback, but when you actually get some constructive feedback you're devastated by it. Taking constructive criticism well is a difficult but vital skill to learn.

  1. Don't React Emotionally

    • Once you receive criticism, take a few moments and a few deep breaths. No matter how you feel, thank the person who gave you the criticism. Do not let yourself react emotionally. "The inner voice is normally grumpy, so ignore it," advises Stephen McClard, an award-winning music teacher.

    Be Objective

    • Questions to ask yourself about the criticism are, who gave the criticism? And is the criticism valid? A comment from your boss should be given more weight than one from an enemy. That does not mean that valid criticism cannot come from surprising sources.

    Take What You Can Use

    • Gregg Walker of the department of speech communications at Oregon State University says to "recognize the value of constructive criticism." If after examining the criticism you find that at least some parts are true and useful, internalize and use the constructive criticism. No matter how good constructive criticism is, if you never apply it to your life it does not matter how little you get upset hearing it.

    Ignore What You Can't Use

    • Eleanor Roosevelt once wrote "No human being enjoys being disliked." She also gave great advice when it came to criticism. Not every piece of criticism you receive is valid or useful. If after you objectively consider the criticism you find no use for it, let it go. Do your best to forget it was ever brought up, and be wary of that person's criticism in the future.

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