The only difference between feedback and criticism is the way you hear it, and I heard it all – Tim Grover 

It’s always the way we hear it.

Growing up I never knew how to manage my reaction when I get feedback or criticism. Even the nicest feedback would hurt my ego and I know it is because of my pride.

I have to learn how to just suck it up and learn from positive comments.

And then criticisms came.

I thought feedback was bad. Wait till you get criticism.

And again I have to learn the hard way to accept criticisms. Whether it was given in a good way or done in a bad way – I need to see the meat behind all the negativity.

But please do take note that you don’t have to be so tangled and caught up emotionally to everything you hear and receive.

Ask yourself: who said the criticism? Is the source credible? Reliable? Does he or she really care about me or he or she just wants to criticize my every move.

Thus it is important to have key people that would give you feedback – people whom you trust and people who will care enough to tell you what you don’t want to hear.

I remember a time when I was working so hard that life has become unbalance. I wasn’t communicating to my wife already because I was out “saving the world”.

It took just one call from a friend, pastor Paolo Punzalan to bring me back to sanity by reminding me of what is of real importance. I believe that conversation saved my marriage and saved me from my pride.

Criticism and feedback are all part of your success journey. Learn to embrace it positively.

Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

PS: How about you – can you share some good ways you react to feedback and criticism?