Have you ever felt the sting of unfair criticism or judgment? It can be a debilitating experience, leaving you feeling defeated and questioning your worth. But here’s the truth: their words are not your truth.

Judgment and criticism often say more about the person dishing out the criticism than the person receiving it. It’s a reflection of their own fears, biases, and limitations. Don’t internalize their negativity or let it define your self-worth.

Everyone faces criticism at some point. At times there are valid points to criticism but then there are times we just need to be grounded in the truth of who we are. Even the most successful and accomplished individuals have faced harsh judgment.

5 Ways to Bounce Back from Criticism

1. Practice self-compassion: In a world of haters, be kind to yourself.
2. Reframe criticism: Understand that most people are projecting their own negativity and character flaws onto you. It hurts, I know, but if what they say is not true then understand that it’s them not you.
3. Surround yourself with positivity: Seek out supportive people who uplift and encourage you. If there are people in your life who are toxic or can’t express compassion and may lack empathy, you might need to consider distancing yourself. If they can’t understand or if it’s just too painful for them, do your best to not only be kind to yourself but do your best to be kind to them. We still need to do our best to look beyond our own pain and have compassion and empathy for others.
4. Focus on your strengths: Celebrate your accomplishments and abilities. Your reputation might be in the gutter but if you have integrity that is all you. We have the ability to maintain our own character regardless of what others say. You can lose everything except for one thing. The only thing we can’t lose is our own character. When it comes to our character we alone choose to surrender or uphold it.
5. Keep moving forward: Don’t let criticism and judgement hold you back from reaching out for help. To every hundred negative reactions you might get, you will find a helpful resource. Take the resources and flush everything else down the toilet where it belongs.

For many of us, finding our place in the world can be a lifelong journey.

We will be misunderstood more often then not.

We are the only ones who can validate us.

If we reach for help and find criticism and judgement, that is inevitable because the human condition is uncomfortable when the need is so great. Often times those closest to us really don’t know how to respond.

Love and Compassion

Love and compassion will win every single time.