How do you deal with criticism?  How we deal with criticism can determine how we live.  It can impact what we create and whether we continue on our journey.  Letting others negativity enter your mind and stay there can be harmful, therefore knowing who to listen to and who to ignore is essential.

If you follow me on Facebook (and if you don't…get your buns over there and hit LIKE!) I shared a video by Brene Brown from 99u.com this week.

I love Brene – she is beyond awesome.  Her message around vulnerability is so powerful and for those who don't know her message, here are some of the key points that I want to share with you today; but also watch the video if you have time, it's worth it.

When we choose to stand out there and be seen and heard then it is inevitable that we'll get our butt kicked.  That just goes part and parcel with the territory.  Don't let that scare you because what is the alternative?  To do nothing? to be silent?  For those with a fire and passion for what they do, this is not an option.   We will have critics in our lives, but unless your critics are willing to take the risk, step into the arena and play at the same level you are then they are not worthy to criticize what you do.

We always listen to what people say, whether we know them or not.  Whether we like them or not.  Isn't that crazy?  You may not like someone.  You make not like what they do or who they are, yet what they say somehow matters to you.  Why?  I actually want you to think about the answer to that question.

Some of your answers may be:

Because I already think that of myself,

because I worry that other people will think the same as them,

because it just not nice to be criticized or to have negative things said about things I hold dear.

All of these thoughts are not uncommon.  Many times these thoughts are out of our control.  What is in our control is how we manage those thoughts.  We can let them sit with us for an extended period of time or we can acknowledge we had that thought, acknowledge that the person who said it doesn't matter and then move on.   Limit the time you allow these thoughts to hold court in your mind.   It may take practise but it does work.   The other tool to add to your mind kit is also acknowledge that there is nothing you can do about what people think.  You just do your best, be true to your own values and convictions and work as hard as you can.  Be proud of what you've achieved and if you need to improve things then acknowledge that you're learning along the way and the journey will always be something that will challenge you, but celebrate the successes, no matter how big or small.