Handling Criticism

"Don't be distracted by criticism. Remember, the only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you." - Zig Ziglar

A friend posted this story. I thought it was a good lesson.  

It was told, that one day a school teacher wrote on the board the following math examples:

9 x 1 = 7

9 x 2 = 18

9 x 3 = 27

9 x 4 = 36

9 x 5 = 45

9 x 6 = 54

9 x 7 = 63

9 x 8 = 72

9 x 9 = 81

9 x 10 = 90

When she was finished, she looked at her students.  They were all laughing at her because of the first equation, which was wrong. The teacher responded with the following statement: "I intentionally wrote that first one wrong because I wanted you to learn something important. This was for you to know how the world out there will treat you. You can see that I wrote the RIGHT things 9 times, but none of you congratulated me for it. Instead, you all laughed, criticized, and pointed out the one wrong thing I did."

So this is the lesson: The world will not always appreciate the good you do a million times but will focus on and criticize the one wrong thing you do.  Don't get discouraged. Always rise above all the laughter and the criticism. Stay strong.

Nobody likes to be criticized. But how we handle criticism internally can make all the difference. We all make mistakes. To err is human. In some ways, we're often afraid of making mistakes. We believe that if we are wrong or do something wrong, there must be something wrong with us.  When in reality, we're only human.

If instead, we can learn to take criticism in stride and reflect on how we can use it to improve, we can turn it into something positive.  Our ability to hear and truly listen to other people's opinions, even when they may seem negative, can actually improve relationships, performance, and abilities. This could make a difference in our personal and professional lives.

Make today great!

Curtis

"The final proof of greatness lies in being able to endure criticism without resentment." - Elbert Hubbard