🧠 How to Handle Criticism Without Breaking Down
– Turning feedback into strength without losing yourself – Criticism can feel like a punch in the gut. Even when it’s “constructive,” it can leave us anxious, ashamed, or spiraling with self-doubt. But here’s the truth: Criticism doesn’t have to crush you. You can learn to receive it — without internalizing it. ⚠️ Why Criticism Hurts So Much We attach our worth to performance. (“If I made a mistake, I must be the mistake.”) We’ve experienced harsh judgment in the past. Childhood, school, toxic workplaces — it leaves emotional residue. We never learned the difference between feedback and rejection. It all feels personal. 🛠️ Step 1: Breathe Before You React When someone criticizes you — even gently — your nervous system goes on high alert. ✅ Pause ✅ Take a breath ✅ Remind yourself: This is information, not an attack. Don’t respond immediately. Center yourself first. 🧠 Step 2: Filter the Feedback Ask yourself: Is this about me or their expectations ? ...