Imagine it that criticism is a game, I know not a fun a game, but we want to shape how you think about what you’re doing.
We often think of criticism as dodgeball. People are throwing stuff at you, and you’re trying to avoid it. But remember, the goal is not to avoid criticism, it’s to grow.
So what if we thought of criticism as baseball, instead of dodgeball. Here’s how it would reframe how we thought:
1. Instead of throwing stuff at us, they were throwing it to us.
2. When they threw it to us, we had a choice on what to do with it. You get to evaluate the “pitch” and decide how you respond:
Our Choice:
1. If it’s not worthwhile, not helpful, not from a healthy source- don’t swing! Don’t respond. Don’t get agitated. You don’t have to swing at every pitch that comes your way. If you swing at a pitch in the dirt you’ll strike out. Don’t wrestle with pigs, you both get muddy and the pig likes it. Don’t give it time: If someone isn’t on your agenda, don’t put them on your calendar.
2. If it is worthwhile, if it is helpful, if there is something to be learned: swing. Engage with the criticism. Learn something. Not to take the metaphor too far; but you’re engaging the criticism, not the person.
Closing Word: You have a choice in how you respond to criticism. Not all criticism is equal, so don’t treat it as such.
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