For What It’s Worth 2.0

You know Doc, I usually just consider the source. If it's someone I know and trust, someone that has my best interest at heart, I usually hear them out. If it's someone who has nothing better to do and is doing it with malicious intent, I blow them off. If the person that put you in the position to do what was criticized thought that the criticizor (don't think that is actually a word is it?) were better suited to do it, then they would be in that position for you to criticize. Like water water off a duck's back my friend. :o)

The vast majority of the time, criticism (the not constructive kind) comes out of a deep insecurity in the person giving it. Reminding myself of that helps me not to take it personally. Instead of "hey, I really didn't like the way you did that. That was awful," I remind myself that what they're really saying is, "that took a lot of courage of your part to try that. I wish I had courage like that."

You just can't take it personally or let it affect your work. There are countless artists throughout history who were only criticized and hardly complimented for their work during there lifetime. They didn't allow it to affect what they did and today they're revered as greats in their field. On the same hand, you also can't listen to closely to your cheerleaders or believe your own hype. That's just as poisonous as harsh criticism.

I try to say "Thank you, I'll give that all the consideration it deserves." Sometimes I forget. Or how about these gems:

I'm already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth.
I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce.
Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.
I'm not being rude. You're just insignificant.
You sound reasonable... time to up my medication.

Just kidding of course, but it helps to keep a sense of humor.

I'm not brave enough to use it, but I think a great thing to say is, "Did you mean to say that out loud?"