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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
Rate Your Aerobics Class

Fitness

Use this handy ten-point checklist to figure out whether an aerobics class is right for you. (You may have to take a class or two on a trial basis to answer all the questions.)

1. Is the instructor well-qualified? (He or she should be certified by the American College of Sports Medicine or by a national aerobics association.)

2. Is the floor firm yet resilient? (It should be made of either wood, with an airspace or a spring cushion underneath, or polyvinylchloride / urethane. Avoid mats. They can throw you off balance.)

3. Is the room air-conditioned?

4. Is there enough space for each participant to move freely, without crowding?

5. Does the routine include a warm-up and cool-down period?

6. Does the aerobic portion of the class last at least 20 minutes? (Your heart rate should reach but not exceed your target heart rate.)

7. Are you told how to check your pulse before, during, and after the aerobic portion of the class?

8. Does the routine allow participants to adjust the pace to their individual ability? (You should be able to step up the pace or ease off if you need to.)

9. Does the instructor introduce new routines or music from time to time?

10. Do you feel relaxed or invigorated after class? If you feel sore and exhausted, something’s wrong.

“Yes” answers mean you’ve probably found a class that will suit your needs.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Evaluating Your Treatment

Mental Health Care

It is not always easy to evaluate treatment. You may not be able to look at it objectively or know what to expect. For treatment to be effective:

* You should be comfortable with your counselor.

* You should feel the treatment he or she is providing is helpful.

* You should feel that your counselor understands you and accepts your opinions.

* Your needs should be addressed.

* You and your counselor should define and agree on the goals of your treatment and determine together when treatment should end.

* You should be able to alter your treatment goals at any time.

* You should feel you are making progress toward your goals.

* You need to trust your counselor and feel respected by him or her.

* Your counselor should behave in a professional manner. (Sexual contact with a client is exploitive and should never be a part of therapy.)

If you are not satisfied with your treatment, do one or more of the following:

* Express your concerns directly to your counselor to see if the problem can be resolved.

* Ask to speak to your counselor’s supervisor if you are uncomfortable expressing a concern to your counselor.

* Find another counselor.

* Inform the state licensing board if you think your counselor’s conduct has been unethical or illegal.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Rate Your Doctor

Medical Care

In order to feel good about your medical care, you should feel good about your doctor, too. Use this checklist when evaluating your physician.

* Is your doctor ‘board certified” or ‘board eligible?” To check, contact the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS) at 1.866.ASK.ABMS (275.2267) or accesswww.abms.org. Board certified means that he or she has two or more years of training in a specialty after medical school graduation and has passed a national examination certifying competence in the specialty. Board eligible means that the training has been completed, but not the exam. Please note, however, that credentials do not guarantee competency.

* Does your doctor listen to you and answer all your questions about the causes and treatment of your medical problems, or is he or she vague, impatient, or unwilling to answer?

* Are you comfortable with your doctor? Can you openly discuss your feelings and talk about personal concerns, including sexual and emotional problems?

* Does your doctor take a thorough history, asking about past physical and emotional problems, family medical history, drugs you are taking, and other matters affecting your health?

* Does your doctor address the root causes of your medical problems or simply prescribe drugs to treat the symptoms?

* Does your doctor have an associate to whom you can turn should he or she be unavailable?

* Do you feel at ease asking your doctor questions that may sound

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026