“You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.”
― Winston Churchill
Have you ever been criticised? We all have been at some point at home or at work, isn’t it?
Criticism – The science and psychology of it. First, let us define Criticism – the expression of disapproval of someone or something on the basis of perceived faults or mistakes.
Remember, only two types of people will ever criticise you,
A) the professional critic
or
B) someone who is doing less than you (because they feel jealous, envy, afraid of your progress or simply, your spirit irritates their demons).
You will never be criticised by those who are above you in the level of achievement, or by those who are doing better than you. Firstly, because achievers don’t have time to criticise anyone, they mind their own business. And secondly, in case they do, they are dropping down their level. Your family, or well-wishers, may on the surface seem to ‘criticise’ you. But their intentions are not being critical, but are actually concerned about you and, not knowing, they do criticise in their way, for whom you can easily forgive.
The professional critic does it for their job, it’s not personal.
The second types, those who are doing less than you, well, read below, you will understand their position.
“To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.”
― Elbert Hubbard
Criticising, if done intentionally, is a form of control. Control is a form of deep inner fear. They criticise because they don’t want to see progress because they might lose in some way. A person who is stuck, mentally, emotionally or financially will see a reason to criticise or condemn someone. Now, this can happen with anyone at any level. The same person who criticises you today might not do the same tomorrow or after some period (after they gain new knowledge about you) or they have healed themselves. It can happen vice versa also, like praising you today and criticise you tomorrow.
Like no one who is full of love will harm anyone or abuse anyone verbally or otherwise. No one in his or her right frame of mind will intentionally criticise another person. The person who sees others as not deserving of praise is not fulfilled in himself. For example, if I criticise you, it means either I’m in a bad mood or I’m stuck mentally, socially or financially. Or otherwise… “depending on my mood”, or “I was not in a good mood”. Over time, however, you will understand my character and personality.
“All of us are stupid for at least 5 minutes each day, genius is not exceeding that limit.”
So, don’t be afraid of criticisms, people will say what is in their head or heart. When anyone opens their mouth to speak, remember, they are expressing their level of awareness. In one way, it is freedom of speech for them, right? So, say what you want to say and do what you want to do because, as they say:
“Those who matter don’t mind and those who mind don’t matter“