Criticism, isn’t it a simple word whose meaning everyone
understands? Yet, how you deal with it can make or break you. Every one of us
has received it and every one of us has been generous enough to shower it on
someone else. Even the almighty God is not spared by us.
A person who takes action gets criticized for taking action.
Someone gets criticized for inaction. An individual gets criticized for
speaking while another gets criticized for keeping quiet. Hiding away from
criticism will invite more criticism. Taking it head on will also be an act
that would get criticized. You may take a decision keeping in mind the best
interest of everyone. However, the people whose interests you are trying to
safeguard could be the ones with the most bitter of words for you. Someone you
had helped tide a difficult phase will not bother to thank you for it. In fact,
he may at some point in the future criticize you for it. Difficult it is to
deal with such people. However, running away is not a solution if you have to
deal with such people day in and day out.
Criticism is unavoidable. One needs to keep his cool when
dealing with it. This is a skill not easy to develop. Being emotionally weak
doesn’t help. One has to face it with courage. Personal experience has taught me
that getting bogged down by unwelcome comments doesn’t help. Also, reacting to every criticism that comes
your way is also foolish. You will waste precious energy that could have been
spent on some creative pursuit.
Patience I feel is very important for dealing with
criticism. One needs to wait and watch. Stay calm. Listen peacefully and analyze.
Is the person criticizing you virtuous enough to use such words for you? Ask
yourself whether the words being used have any merit in it. This is the only
way to get a better handle of the situation and not break down. Spending some quiet
moment with self each day is also important. This will ensure that you look at
things from the right perspective.
