Thank you to my critics

(Less than 2-minute read time)

When I started my business, my coach told me if I was able to earn some haters that meant I was doing it right.  

At first, this made no sense to me.  I wanted to appeal to all the people.  Of course, it’s completely unrealistic to think my message would resonate with everyone.  At the same time, I didn’t want to “earn” haters – no thank you.  

Since then I have earned some haters and experienced criticism of my work.  In fact, just a few days ago I received a rather ugly reply.  It’s not the first time and yet it still stung a bit at first.

Then I remembered…. 

Other people’s opinions are representations of their perspective.  Their perspective comes from their experiences, their history, their thoughts & their interpretations.  

It’s all theirs. It’s not even really about me at all.  Even if it were, almost anything anyone can say about me or my work – well, I can usually find at least some truth to it.  

So, I no longer have to ruminate on the negative feedback and replay the criticism over and over.  I no longer have to experience the anger and relentless justification of right and wrong.   

It doesn’t mean I don’t care.  I do.  I’m just stronger than the critique when it used to be the other way around.  What made me strong?  Showing up, sharing my work and encountering, not avoiding, the critics.  I’m glad they were there to help me get here. 

What about you?  Have you been shaken up by constructive (aka – negative) feedback?  Want to find a better way to process it?  I can definitely help, let’s chat.