Daily Inspiration: “Criticism is just wisdom as yet unwrapped!”

“Criticism is just wisdom as yet unwrapped!” – Futurist Jim Carroll

Criticism. When it’s sincere, it can matter.

Criticism is … a gift.  It’s a gift of knowledge that, used the right way, allows you to gain insight and perspective on how to improve.

Criticism is … a reward. It’s one of the hardest things to take, but with the right mindset, one of the most valuable bits of insight you can be rewarded with – because it means that you are trying to do something new, put yourself out there, and explore your potential, rather than sitting back in complacency.

Criticism is… a mirror. It allows you to see things about yourself, your work, or your insight that you might not otherwise see. It’s a unique filter that allows you to get past your thoughts on what you are doing, to the viewpoint of others. When it’s valid, it’s powerfully constructive.

Criticism is… inevitable. It’s unavoidable. It’s all a part of your process. No matter how good you might be, how much effort you put in, and how hard you work, you’ll face criticism. Understand that, and you’ll make things easier on yourself because you won’t take it the wrong way.

Criticism is… opinion. It’s simply the viewpoint or judgment of someone else – and in many cases, it’s not an objective truth or fact. It should be considered in that manner!

Criticism is… motivational. Taken as a learning opportunity, it can give you the spark that you need to work harder, or it can light a fire that can push you forward – because it can cause you to try to prove the naysayers wrong.

Criticism is… an opportunity for growth. It will help you identify weaknesses and areas that need further work.

Criticism is… often, just noise. Filter it out, and don’t worry about it.

Criticism is … just motivation in disguise!

I used to obsess over criticism … of my stage presentations, my writing, or my thinking.

Then, I realized that some of it didn’t matter (because it was just noise). Of the criticism that did matter, I worked hard to learn how to try and do something constructive with it. I’ve tried to turn it into an opportunity, not a barrier.

I still obsess over it, ponder it, think about it … but always try to remind myself that it’s an opportunity, not a threat.

Because criticism is …. a gift!