Tag: criticism

How To Handle Criticism

WORK LIFE

No one likes to be criticized. It’s not an enjoyable experience to have your work, speech, or actions critiqued by those around you. However, handled well, criticism can be helpful. If you learn to listen and discern when a critique is valid, you can leverage the discomfort as a tool for growth.

Steps to handle criticism

Listen

Resist the urge to shut down and shield yourself from the uncomfortable feeling of being criticized. Pause and listen to what is being shared.

Don’t make it personal

While sometimes you may experience a personal attack disguised as critique, try to separate yourself from the criticism. You’re not a bad person for having room to improve.

Ask for clarification

Not everyone is skilled at giving constructive criticism. You, as the receiver, may need to ask questions to determine how to improve.

Take time to reflect

Criticism that stings in the moment may be easier to learn from after your initial emotions fade. Take time to digest criticism to see how you can improve.

Follow-up

Make a follow-up plan to ensure you’ve made the necessary changes. This demonstrates your commitment to personal growth.

If necessary, let it go

Criticism shouldn’t hang over your head. Learn what you can and then move on. This is especially important in the face of criticism that is not helpful.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Learn To Accept Criticism

Stress Management

Are you thin-skinned? If critical remarks (or perceived criticism) are unduly painful for you, learning to put them in perspective can reduce their impact.

But why does criticism hurt in the first place? Part of the reason is fear that the criticism may be warranted-that you are indeed too fat, too slow, too loud, or whatever barb has been lobbed in your direction. The other factor may be low self-esteem. If you don’t feel so good about yourself, you’re more apt to take criticism to heart. On the other hand, if you feel fairly self-assured, the negative remarks of others are more likely to bounce off.

Still, a fair amount of criticism may be valid-and just what you need to correct a fault. In order to decide just how much attention a critical remark warrants-or what you should make of it-ask yourself:

* Does the criticism seem reasonable? Is there some truth to what was said? (Perhaps you should pay attention to the remark.)

* Have I been criticized by other people on the same issue? (If so, maybe it warrants attention.)

* Does the person making the critical remark know what he or she is talking about? (If he or she is a self-appointed critic-at-large, ignore the remark.)

* Was the remark really directed at me, or was the critic venting general frustration, anger, or bitterness at something over which I have no control? (If criticism stems from general dissatisfaction, let it slide.)

* Is the criticism based on a difference of opinion? (If so, don’t overreact.)

If you decide that the criticism is valid, you can consider taking positive steps to improve. If it’s unwarranted, forget it.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026

Tag: criticism

How To Handle Criticism

Learn To Accept Criticism