Favorite Inspiring Quotes
Criticism
Commentary by Peter Shepherd

“Never react emotionally to criticism. Analyze yourself to determine whether it is justified. If it is, correct yourself. Otherwise, go on about your business.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale
Constructive criticism can be very helpful feedback, so it's best to listen without preconceptions. Accept and allow, which doesn't mean necessarily to like or agree.
“Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man's growth without destroying his roots.” ~ Frank Howard Clark
Norman Vincent Peale also said: "The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism."
“To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing and be nothing.” ~ Elbert Hubbard
Welcome constructive criticism but just ignore negative criticism; it's not meant to be helpful. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do and damned if you don't."
“If criticism is mistaken or mean-spirited, rise above it. Maintain the high ground when you're under fire. No victory is worth winning at the expense of picking up the mud that has been slung at you and throwing it back.” ~ Rubel Shelly
Negative people will pull you into the gutter if they can. That's not to say keep your head in the clouds, we do indeed need to listen and be realistic, but don't allow yourself to be reduced to the level of envy and hatred expressed by some critics.
“When you are not attached to praise or criticism, an interesting freedom is yours.” ~ Kute Blackson
Let it go: the strategy of freedom.

Here’s some further reading on this theme...
Creative Comebacks to Petty Put-Downs ~ by Linda Sappadin
People blame and shame all the time. And that’s on their good days. When they really have an ax to grind, they add insults, curses, ridicule and humiliation. Unless you’re extremely lucky, you, at some time, will be on the receiving end of such put-downs. How do you respond? Continues...