In Praise of Criticism

None of us like to get criticism, but get it we do. One way to deal with criticism is to do your best to avoid it. But there’s a price to pay.  Greek philosopher Aristotle said, “Criticism is something you can avoid easily—by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.” Since it’s impossible to live and not receive some kind of criticism, the best thing to do is to learn from it.  Consider that your critics – even your harshest ones – are probably, at least, a little bit right. The ability to agree with your detractors requires self-awareness, courage, and the aptitude to swallow hard instead of fighting back.