The Power of Criticism

How to use criticism wisely

Learn to love criticism. If we are constantly being appraised for what we do, we are not given the opportunity to learn and grow. It is impossible to always be right and therefore it’s crucial to have someone in your life who can turn around and say you’re wrong.

Have you ever been in a situation where you are constantly being praised for something you have done and after a while, the applause starts to quieten, it loses its initial value…?

Then BOOM. There comes that one negative comment and makes all the other positive appraise disappear, that one comment/opinion takes over your thoughts. You start to question whether they’re right and imposter syndrome kicks in.

The brain is designed to help us survive and therefore we are attracted to the thought of imminent danger and negativity The power of criticism can work in many ways and here I’d like to approach two different perspectives.

Benjamin Franklin once said:

“I will speak ill of no man and speak all the good I know of everybody”

As nice as this sounds, is it practical? Not really, people should appreciate it when someone approaches them about a part of their character which needs improving.

For example, if I always forgot to do the dishes and someone else had to do them for me, I’d feel bad that I’m making them do that and would expect them to remind me when I forget.

According to this point of view, criticism can be very beneficial to promote improvement and development in your life.

On the other hand, I once read that: ‘One should focus on themselves so much that they do not have time to criticise others’. One could easily argue that people should learn from their own mistakes and avoid outside input.

In ‘How To Win Friends and Influence People’ by Dale Carnegie, he says:

“Don’t complain about the snow on your neighbour's roof, when your own doorstep is unclean”

This logic follows my previous point about only focusing on yourself and your flaws, before condemning others.

At the end of the day, who are we to tell someone if they’re right or wrong if they do not ask for our input?

In my opinion, it is all about analysing someone’s character. If you meet someone in the minority who thinks they are always right and are not open to an outside opinion, refrain from correcting them or giving your opinion on a matter.

However, for the majority of open minded people who accept an external opinion, learn to use criticism not to condem their point of view, but rather provide an additional perspective. Someone would be much more appreciative of your opinion if it came across as an addiotnal idea rather than you talking down on their ideas.

Have a great week!

~Abdullah