Criticism is always harsh, but sometimes we misappropriate constructive criticism as negativity. Here are some tips on how to decide whether what you're hearing from people is beneficial to your future or just meant to bring you down.
1. Listen to understand and learn not to reply and defend yourself.
A keen listener is one who is able to disseminate between constructive criticism and blatant manipulation to put them down. The way someone approaches you about your project, relationships, work or dreams will determine their intention and your reply. Keeping calm will give you the ability to have your emotions in check and self evaluate whether what was said to you contained fact or was inaccurate. After this, ask why? why the person telling you that feels that way and how a solution may be provided. If the person fails to answer then you will know it wasn't said with good intentions.
2. Negative people will always be salty when you succeed.
Negative people are always salty when you win because they don't want to see you rise but people who give you constructive criticism will always be your number fan. They will be there giving you props because they want to see you be the best version of yourself.
3. Your critics will sometimes provide solutions or open up your eyes to new possibilities
Last semester my professor had me rewrite my paper almost 6 times due to lack of clarity and trust me when i say i wasn't pleased. However, during those corrections i was also able to produce a more authentic argument for the overall research. Now i'm sure you're wondering how this all applies to the "cut-off" mentality and this is why: in college people tend not to care about corrections after receiving a final grade but there's always that option to see where you can improve your work and your knowledge but its all dependent on you to suck it up and listen to how you went wrong and maybe you just might think of something better.
4. Cutting off people may be a show of weakness to deal with challenges.
In this generation we tend to have an escapist mindset of trying to find the right vibe and putting ourselves with only the right crowd. This is good in the social context of making friends and meeting new people. But when it comes to business, networking, relationships and failures, we cant simply step aside to have a peace of mind. More than ever it's important to face the criticism head on or at least consult with people with more experience on how to improve.
Life is a social process filled with growth and empowerment through education. Even if there are views that are polar to yours, you have to open your mind to enlightenment from both scenarios and that is how you rise above ignorance or naivety .
