We all have critics. Those people who look only at our faults. That’s what critics do; they look for the negative. Critics are usually not in the arena themselves because it consumes too much time. They play it safe, no fear of failure, no fear of disappointment, and no concern of humiliation.
When a critic lashes out at someone, it is a defense mechanism. Their behavior is usually a product of feelings and issues they are trying to cope with that have nothing to do with the other person. The ego is at work here, and whenever the ego takes over, it is not a positive experience.
“A critic seeks to exploit the negative. A leader seeks to cultivate the positive.”
~Andrew Pino
You
May
Be
A
Critic
If
You
Look at people’s weaknesses.
Project to know it all.
Prefer not to get in the game.
Would rather observe and point out what went wrong.
Can’t think of your last accomplishment.
Don’t have many friends.
MY SUGGESTIONS
Look for the good in others; accept them and their differences.
When you see the good in others, it will help you feel happier and become more loving.
Let go of the small things. Focus on the positive.
Believe in people; give them the benefit of the doubt.
Imagine that everyone you deal with is looking out for your best interest and not out to hurt you. Even if people aren’t specifically looking out for your best interest, most likely they aren’t out to hurt you.
Become an encourager.
The founder of Chick-fil-A, the late Truett Cathy, once said, “How do you know if a man or woman needs encouragement?” He answers, “If they are breathing.” Be an encourager, not a discourager.
Stop being a spectator and become a participant.
Are you sitting on the sidelines of life? It’s easy to critique from the sideline when you have no skin in the game. Get involved; the failures and mistakes will be worth it.
Fail forward.
John Maxwell says, “If you aren’t failing, you are probably not really moving forward.” Failure is inevitable, and it’s how you deal with these failures that set you apart. Will you fail forward or let it set you back?”
Remember, being critical focuses on the negative and does not offer useful information for solutions and improvement. Criticism attacks only one aspect of the person or situation. Most people who are being too critical do not even realize it. If this resonates with you, it is never too late to make a change.
