How to Avoid Overthinking Criticism

One way to speed up personal growth is to seek feedback from others who present challenges. Ask them what actions or behaviors are hindering progress. We must recognize that we often check ourselves based on our intentions while others judge us by our impact on them. Feedback can be expressed in a way that implies, “This is how you are, and that’s the problem.” Yet, the intersection of our differences usually causes issues, not one person’s actions.

Stay calm and avoid overthinking criticism. Seek out constructive feedback and view it as an opportunity for growth. Take helpful criticism to heart and reframe unfair criticism as misguided praise. Don’t feel pressured to share anything too personal. Keep moving forward, and remember that your work does not define your worth.

The way we grow and move forward is through feedback. We learn from our parents what we should and should not be doing. When we are adults, we keep moving forward with our goals by doing specific experiments, gathering insights, and then moving on.

[¹]: The Courage to Be Happy: Discover the Power of Positive Psychology and Choose Happiness Every Day