For a long time, I didn’t know how to deal with criticism without taking it personally. Even the smallest comment would send me into a spiral of overthinking.
Even when someone meant well, I would spiral.
I’d overthink every word, replay the moment in my head, and feel like I wasn’t good enough.
💭 “Are they disappointed in me?”
💭 “Did I mess everything up?”
💭 “I should’ve done better.”
But eventually, I realized that not all criticism is meant to tear me down—and not every opinion deserves to enter my heart.
💡 I had to learn how to deal with criticism without taking it personally, so I could grow—without losing myself.
1️⃣ How I Learned to Deal With Criticism Without Reacting
In the past, I would react immediately—defensively or emotionally.
Now, I pause. I breathe. I create space before responding.
💡 The Shift: I realized I don’t have to absorb feedback the moment it arrives.
🔹 What I Changed:
✅ I let myself feel what came up—but didn’t act on it right away
✅ I reminded myself that one comment doesn’t define my worth
✅ I asked: “Is this feedback helpful—or just hurtful?”
🚀 The result? I responded with calm—not panic.
2️⃣ How I Deal With Criticism That Feels Harsh or Unkind
Not everyone delivers feedback kindly. Sometimes people project their own frustrations. But I learned to listen without absorbing unnecessary weight.
💡 The Shift: I stopped focusing on how it was said—and looked for what I could learn.
🔹 What I Changed:
✅ I took the emotion out of the tone and listened for truth
✅ I allowed room for the person to be imperfect too
✅ I learned to extract the lesson—even if it was wrapped in clumsy words
🚀 The result? I became less reactive—and more resilient.
3️⃣ Why I No Longer Let Criticism Define Me
When I take things personally, I make someone else’s opinion bigger than my truth.
Now, I filter feedback through self-awareness—not insecurity.
💡 The Shift: I realized that not every opinion deserves a seat at my table.
🔹 What I Changed:
✅ I stopped seeing feedback as judgment—and started seeing it as perspective
✅ I asked myself if the feedback aligned with my values
✅ I reminded myself: “This is information—not identity.”
🚀 The result? I grew from feedback—without losing my confidence.
The Truth About How I Deal With Criticism Now
I used to believe that any criticism meant I wasn’t enough.
But now I know:
✔ Criticism is often about the other person’s lens
✔ Feedback is optional—it’s not mandatory for growth
✔ I can receive input without abandoning myself
💡 When I learned how to deal with criticism, I stopped shrinking—and started growing.
What’s Next: How I Started Trusting Myself Again
In my next blog, I’ll share how I learned to have hard conversations and disagreements—without shutting down, exploding, or disconnecting from who I am.
📢 How do you deal with criticism in your own journey? What helps you stay grounded when feedback feels tough? Let’s talk in the comments 💬
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