Criticism and knee-jerk reactions are all over social media and in the street. There’s so much negativity around these days, it’s more important than ever to learn not to react in kind. An adverse reaction feeds the bad feelings and makes everyone feel negative and defensive. The better way is to learn to take criticism gracefully and see it as an opportunity for growth.

1 – Don’t React Straightaway

Your first reaction to criticism, whether it’s an email or an in-person critique, is to become defensive, even angry. That’s human nature. However, take a deep breath and give yourself some time to cool down and let those first emotions ebb. That email doesn’t need an immediate response, and that phone message can wait. If you’re criticized in a meeting or in person, buy yourself some time by telling them you’ll get back to them about the issue. Continue reading →

Constructive criticism is fine, but some people who are so relentlessly negative that they can suck the joy out of life. No matter what happy news you might have, they are guaranteed to find the cloud to fit your silver lining.

Here are 6 strategies you can use to deal with hypercritical people:

1 – Don’t Take It Personally

It’s a safe bet that it’s not you, it’s them. Some people just hug their negativity around them like a security blanket, and it colors their view of the world. They criticize everything because that suits them. Watch how they treat other people. It’s guaranteed they criticize everybody, not just you. Continue reading →