Dealing with criticism is tough. Sometimes, it feels like a constant barrage, leaving you feeling weary and disheartened.

But, let me tell you this: it doesn’t have to be that way.

Developing certain habits can not only help you handle criticism better, but also turn it into a powerful tool for personal growth.

In this article, I’m going to share with you 9 empowering habits to embrace if you’re on the receiving end of constant criticism.

These habits will not only help you deal with criticism more effectively, but also fuel your confidence and resilience. Ready to dive in?

1) Embrace the growth mindset

Criticism, particularly when it’s a constant in your life, can feel like a personal attack. It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you’re not good enough or that you’re always making mistakes.

But here’s a different perspective: consider criticism as an opportunity for growth.

This is the core concept of the growth mindset, a theory developed by psychologist Carol Dweck. It’s all about understanding that abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work, strategies, and input from others.

When you embrace a growth mindset, criticism becomes less about pointing out your flaws and more about providing valuable insights that can help you improve.

So next time you face criticism, remember: it’s not an attack on your worth, but an opportunity to grow and become better. Just like how muscles need resistance to grow stronger, our character needs challenges to develop.

And hey, remember to be fair to yourself. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes sometimes. And that’s perfectly okay.

2) Practice self-compassion

You know, there was a time when I would beat myself up over every piece of criticism that came my way. I’d replay it in my head, over and over, until it became a cycle of self-deprecation.

Then, I learned about self-compassion.

Self-compassion is about treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d offer to a good friend. It doesn’t mean ignoring your mistakes or flaws; rather, it’s about acknowledging them without judgment or self-criticism.

I began to practice this by consciously changing how I talked to myself. Instead of saying, “I can’t believe I messed that up, I’m such an idiot,” I’d tell myself, “That didn’t go as planned, but it’s okay. Everyone makes mistakes.”

Over time, this small change made a huge difference. The harsh inner critic in my head started to quiet down, and I found it easier to handle the criticism that came from outside.

So remember, be gentle with yourself. You’re doing the best you can and that’s enough.

3) Distinguish between constructive and destructive criticism

Not all criticism is created equal. There’s a stark difference between someone giving you feedback with the intention of helping you improve and someone criticizing you with the intention of tearing you down.

Research shows that our brains process each type of criticism differently. Constructive criticism often leads to increased motivation and improved performance, while destructive criticism can cause mental stress and decreased motivation.

So, it’s crucial to learn how to distinguish between the two. Constructive criticism is typically specific, focused on behavior rather than personality, and includes suggestions for improvement. Destructive criticism, on the other hand, is often vague, personal, and devoid of helpful input.

By understanding the difference, you can choose to focus on the feedback that helps you grow, while dismissing the harmful comments that bring you down.

4) Seek clarity

When you’re faced with criticism, it’s easy to get defensive or upset. Trust me, I’ve been there. But one habit that can really shift the narrative is seeking clarity.

Instead of reacting immediately, take a step back and ask questions. Try to understand where the other person is coming from and what their intentions are.

Requesting more information can often open up a dialogue, turning criticism into a constructive conversation. It allows both parties to express their points of view and can lead to better understanding and resolution.

So the next time you’re hit with criticism, pause, breathe, and ask questions before responding. You might be surprised at the difference it makes.

5) Reflect, but don’t dwell

Reflection is a powerful tool. It allows you to take a step back and objectively assess the situation. When faced with criticism, taking the time to reflect can provide valuable insights.

However, there’s a fine line between reflecting and dwelling. Dwelling on criticism can trap you in a negative cycle of self-doubt and stress. On the other hand, reflecting allows you to learn and move forward.

Look at the criticism objectively: Is it valid? Can you learn something from it? If yes, make a plan to improve. If not, let it go.

Remember, criticism is only one person’s perspective. Don’t let it define your worth or control your actions. Reflect, learn, and then move forward.

6) Surround yourself with positivity

Life is too short to be surrounded by negativity. If you’re constantly facing criticism, it’s essential to balance it out with positivity.

Surround yourself with people who uplift you, believe in you, and remind you of your strengths. These could be friends, family members, mentors, or even inspirational figures you follow online.

Their positive words and encouragement can serve as a buffer against the negative impact of criticism. They can remind you of your worth when you start doubting yourself and inspire you to keep going when things get tough.

Remember, you are more than the criticism you receive. You are capable, resilient, and deserving of respect and kindness. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Surround yourself with positivity and let it fuel your journey forward.

7) Develop a resilience mantra

During a particularly tough period in my life, when I was grappling with constant criticism, I came across the idea of having a resilience mantra.

A resilience mantra is a phrase or sentence that you repeat to yourself during tough times. It serves as a reminder that you’re stronger than your challenges and that you can bounce back from anything.

For me, my mantra was, “I am more than this moment.” Whenever I faced criticism, repeating this mantra helped me remember that one instance of criticism didn’t define me or my abilities. It helped me regain my confidence and kept me grounded.

Having a resilience mantra can be a powerful tool in your arsenal when facing criticism. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy; it just needs to resonate with you. Find yours and use it to bolster your strength during challenging times.

8) Don’t take it personally

One of the most empowering habits you can develop when facing criticism is to not take it personally. Remember, criticism often says more about the person giving it than it does about you.

People come from different backgrounds and perspectives, and their criticism can be a reflection of their own beliefs, biases, or insecurities. It’s not necessarily a reflection of your worth or abilities.

So, when you face criticism, try to detach yourself from it emotionally. Look at it objectively and assess if there’s anything valuable you can take from it. If not, don’t let it affect your self-esteem or peace of mind.

Remember: You’re not defined by other people’s opinions of you. You know your worth, and that’s what truly matters.

9) Believe in yourself

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to believe in yourself. You are your biggest advocate, and your belief in your abilities can be your strongest shield against criticism.

Believing in yourself means knowing your strengths, acknowledging your weaknesses, and understanding that you are a work in progress. It means knowing that you are capable of growth and improvement.

No amount of criticism can bring you down if you have a solid belief in yourself. So, hold onto that belief. Nurture it. Let it be the light that guides you through the storm of criticism.

Remember: You are stronger than you think, and you are capable of overcoming any challenge that comes your way. Believe that.

Final thoughts: It’s about growth

Facing constant criticism is not just an external battle; it’s an internal one as well. It’s about how you perceive yourself, how you handle adversity, and how you grow from it.

The American philosopher and psychologist William James once said, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.”

This rings true when dealing with criticism. By embracing these empowering habits, you can shift your attitude from seeing criticism as a personal attack to viewing it as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.

Remember, criticism, like many things in life, is a double-edged sword. It can hurt, but it can also heal. It can break you down, but it can also build you up. The choice of how it affects you lies in your hands.

So next time you face criticism, take a deep breath, remember these habits, and see it as another stepping stone on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself.