How to Deal with Criticism

 Written by Netisha Alie-Grant 

(Author of Inspirational Book Walking a Two-Way Street)

Listen to podcast here! 

All my life I have had to deal with being criticized. However I believe it got worst when I became a born again believer and more so a “pastor’s wife.” I could feel the eyes and thoughts about who I am and should be in this walk until one day after an intense outburst from one of my members, drove me to make a conscious decision that the only mold I needed to fit in was the one that God had created for me. 

From then, I silenced a lot of negative criticisms and decided to focus on the ones that were going to bring about advancement in my walk with God. And that’s all I heard. With that, please allow me to share my tips on how you can deal with criticism, knowing that it doesn’t matter who you are, criticism is completely unavoidable. Besides; 

Criticism is just a nudge to keep you grounded & help you think critically about yourself!  

Definition of Critical Thinking: “the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgement…” -Oxford 

My Tips on how to deal with Criticism: 

Treat criticism like an item you are checking out to buy in a store. Take it up, look at it, examine it, which country manufactured it? What are the ingredients used to make it? And most importantly, what can you get by using this product?

After you are satisfied that it can bring you some benefits and improvements then you decide whether or not you should take your “hard earned money” and buy it and make it become yours. -Taking ownership of it and including it in your space. 

That’s how you treat criticisms;

Take it into your hands, ask who is it coming from? How much do you value that person’s opinion? What are the details surrounding it? Can you use it to make you a better person or is it just a distraction, a direct attack on your character and peace of mind? 

Then and only then you will decide if you want to receive (buy it like that product) this over your life or not. If not, leave it at the store (with the one who gave it) and carry on with your life. Criticisms only become part of your life if you receive it. 

It is important to note that sometimes negative criticisms can come from within us. Thus, even so you can follow the same product-purchasing tips I mentioned. 

Do not be quick to disregard a criticism made about you, but rather always take time to explore (think critically about) it enough to decide (form a judgement) if it has enough truth and Essence to make you a better you or not. That decision (judgement) will determine the effect criticism has on you. 

What is most important to do when criticized is to stay true to yourself, especially in God and the very ones who negatively call you out with the aim to bring you to ruins will see God turn it all around for good. Then they will use the same mouth to praise you. For what the enemy meant for evil, God will turn around for Good. Job was criticized for sticking with God in tough times, Jesus was criticized by those who delivered Him to be crucified, (Luke 23) but He kept His composure and remained true to His assignment. -Much like Job, and in the end those who accused and criticized them were made to see the glory of God in their lives. Be encouraged! 

C’est bon?! Sounds good!