Use a simple response to acknowledge you have heard their opinion. Try, “Thank you for the feedback. I’ll take that on board”, or “Okay, I’ll consider that”. If you have an emotional, heart-thumping reaction to what’s been said, your brain has gone into “fight or flight” mode. Don’t respond while you’re in this primed state.

“Take a few minutes out, feel your feet on the ground, and breathe slowly and deeply until you feel more calm,” says wellness coach Trish Everett. “When you breathe in a relaxed way, your heart rate and stress response will come down so you can re-engage your rational brain before you respond.”

Whether the criticism is constructive or just rude, don’t take it as a personal affront. “It’s particularly important in a professional setting to be able to receive criticism or feedback about your work without taking it personally,” says psychologist Elizabeth Neal.

Create some distance between you and the issue by looking at the criticism from an objective standpoint. Look at the context and who’s delivering the criticism. Is it coming from a senior person at work? If so, is it simply legitimate feedback about your performance? Is it predictable negativity from a nit-picker? If this is the case, it’s probably less about you not being good enough and more about them feeling inadequate or envious and trying to bring you down.

Critical comments can activate a deeply-held negative belief we have about ourselves, like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m not wanted”. By becoming familiar with the inner story you have about yourself, you’ll know that when you’re triggered by a critical comment, you might be overreacting because it’s activated your painful core belief.

“Your reaction to criticism depends on how sensitive that particular issue is for you,” says Serena Bailey, a life coach specialising in boundary setting.

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Put aside your reaction to look at what you can learn from this situation. “Be brave and ask yourself if there’s anything in what they’re saying that you can take on board,” suggests mindset coach Alyce Pilgrim.

“Look at your reaction to see what this situation might be pushing you to learn. Ask yourself, ‘If this situation is happening to serve as an opportunity for my learning and growth, what would that learning be?’

Perhaps it’s telling you that you need to develop resilience or calmness in the face of others’ drama, or to learn to stand up for yourself or take responsibility for the behaviours you have that invite criticism.”

If you’re really sensitive and any criticism – constructive or not – pushes your buttons, renaming it “feedback” can help. This process, known as reframing, puts a different slant on something, enabling you to see it in a more positive light.

“The word ‘criticism’ can have negative connotations, so by viewing it as feedback you can change your perception of it immediately,” Serena says. “This allows you to take a step back from it emotionally which gives you more ability to choose how you respond.”

Have a conversation with the person who has criticised you. “It’s important to address it with curiousity, not accusation,” says Serena. “Try to get to the bottom of their criticism by having an adult conversation with them about it – one that’s respectful to you both,” she says.

“Focus on what’s going on for you rather than laying blame, and state what you need. Say, ‘I’m feeling confused about what the issue might be here and would love it if we could talk more about it so I can better understand where you’re coming from.’”

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If you’re regularly brought down by criticism, working with a counsellor or psychologist to boost your self-esteem and boundaries may help. Try limiting the time you spend with someone who often criticises you so you have more control over the interaction.

“If it’s someone you can’t avoid, try being more matter-of-fact with them, or withdraw your need for their friendship or approval,” Elizabeth says.

READ MORE:
8 Ways To Look After Your Mental Health At Work
How To Silence Your Inner Critic & Boost Self-Confidence
This Is How You Become That Confident Person Everyone Gravitates Towards

Text: bauersyndication.com.au
Photos: Pexels