“Learn to use the criticism as fuel and you will never run out of energy.” ~ Orrin Woodward

We say feedback is a gift, but do we really embrace feedback as the gift that it is? Our most natural response is to become defensive, aloof—to separate ourselves as far from it as we can. We rationalize and justify, but we rarely acknowledge its validity. We forget that we are imperfect—that we have blindspots that tend to keep us from embracing feedback and using it as a means for growth.

Let’s be clear, criticism is not always given with the best intentions. We must be willing to reflect on the feedback long enough to determine the purpose and intent behind it. As you reflect, ask yourself the following: Is the criticism constructive or destructive? Will it build me up or tear me apart?

Criticism, of any kind, hurts! But if we desire to grow from it, we must be willing to sift through the wheat and the tares; to take a hard look at ourselves to determine if the criticism is warranted. Is it valid? Is it coming from a good place? Will it help me to grow?

When we receive criticism or feedback of any kind in the spirit of humility, we will shift from a defensive stance to a more reflective one. We will embrace feedback as the gift” it is, and more importantly, learn and grow from it.