Five Ways You Can Show Grace in the Face of Criticism

How you can overcome other’s criticism by showing compassion.

Every time I am faced with criticism I have two choices. I can respond defensively, closed off and with my guard up or I can respond with grace, kindness and openness. I choose to look for ways to have grace in the face of criticism.

When in Art school I found the courses I excelled in were the ones my teacher’s gave strong constructive criticism. They told me what I was doing right and what I could do better. I knew I was learning and certainly not getting it all “right.” They could’ve told me my work wasn’t good enough or I was doing it wrong. Instead they said, your work would be stronger if you did “this” or have you thought of trying “that.” By having an open conversation, paired with examples and receiving feedback, I was able to develop my skills in a positive environment.

Criticism hurts. No one likes to receive it and yet we all face it. It comes in different forms and from varying sources. Not all criticism is wrong. In fact feedback can be constructive. It may even help us grow and improve. Even when delivered constructively it can be hard to take. It still doesn’t feel nice. When criticism is delivered gently or helpfully it can still be hard for us to process. We don’t want to be wrong or judged or embarrassed. Criticism that…