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Writer's pictureAnne Athena

Developing a thick skin

One thing you learn growing up is that anyone can criticize you. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and for some reason everyone feels entitled to express that opinion. Developing a thick skin is essential to survive the daily critics and move forward with your work, with your studies, with your life. It's just something you learn to do to "survive" whether you want to or not.




You Don’t Have To Be Liked By Everyone

This is the most important thing one has to figure out on their own. Everyone is different with different personality traits and differing tastes. It is not possible for everyone to agree with you and like you or like what you do.



Criticism vs Insult

When you get criticism, the first thing you have to figure out is whether it is genuine or intended to harm you. Some people disguise their insults into criticism. Constructive criticism, on the other hand, is meant to help you grow. This type of criticism is what will help you evolve and you should embrace it.



Don't take rejection personally

If you're rejected by a partner/lover, it's because they don't believe you're a good fit. That shouldn't be a bad thing. Next time, you might be rejecting someone, too. Be nice. Let them go with grace. Getting rejections from jobs or editors or clients, is also not something you should take personally.



Perspective

You cannot let criticism get in the way. Just because someone didn't like what you do, it doesn't mean you have to stop doing it. Get up and get at it. Improve, evolve, get better. Besides, life is too short to indulge in self-pity. When I get slightly upset about things, I remind myself how lucky I am. Health, food, shelter, family, friends. That’s all we need.






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