Handling Criticism…

By Vinod Bidwaik 

Once upon a time there was a newly qualified painter who painted beautiful scenery. He wanted people's opinion about his caliber and painting skills.

He put his creation at a busy street-crossing. And just down below a board which read -"I have painted this painting. Since I'm new to this profession I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes etc. Please put a cross wherever you see a mistake."

While he came back in the evening to collect his painting he was completely shattered to see that whole canvass was filled with Xs (crosses) and some people had even written their comments on the painting.

Disheartened and broken completely he ran to his master's place and burst into tears.

This young artist was breathing heavily and master heard him saying "I'm useless and if this is what I have learnt to paint I'm not worth becoming a painter. People have rejected me completely. I feel like dying"

Master smiled and suggested "My Son, I will prove that you are a great artist and have learnt flawless painting. Do as I say without questioning it. It WILL work."

Young artist reluctantly agreed and two days later early morning he presented a replica of his earlier painting to his master. Master took that gracefully and smiled.

"Come with me." master said.

They reached the same street-square early morning and displayed the same painting exactly at the same place. Now master took out another board which read -"Gentlemen, I have painted this piece. Since I'm new to this profession I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes etc. I have put a box with colors and brushes just below. Please do a favor. If you see a mistake, kindly pick up the brush and correct it."

Master and disciple walked back home.

They both visited the place same evening. Young painter was surprised to see that actually there was not a single correction done so far. Next day again they visited and found painting remained untouched. They say the painting was kept there for a month for no correction came in!

People always criticize. Criticizing is the nature of human being. People criticize us for few reasons.

1.  They can’t do the better than you,

2. They feel that they are the victim of injustice,

3.  They are really the victim of injustice,

4.  They are jealous to others,

5.  They criticize just because that it is their nature.

Sometimes criticism is justified and it should be taken as an improvement area.

When you get the criticism, just assess the situation. Why the person is criticizing you? Have you done something wrong? People sometimes will not directly criticize you; they may take other modes like gossiping or communicating through other person. It is always better to understand the reality and then have the face to face discussion.

What you have done or said which other person wouldn’t like you to find out about? And then confront on the reason of criticism. If you have not done anything wrong there is no reason to take it unjust criticism.    

It is always easier to criticize, but difficult to improve. So don't get carried away or judge yourself by someone else’s criticism and feel depressed. Take it with Pinch of Sugar! Critics are useful till you limit them to positive lessons only. Always put your heart into your work and do yourself a favour to keep yourself always inspired, since surrounding people are enough to do demotivating job...