How to feel comfortable with criticism

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Steven Pressfield, in his bestseller The Art of War, states: “The professional is open to criticism, seeking to learn and grow.

If you are a writer (or any creator) you probably know this to be true. You have probably tried accepting comments in an attempt to improve your work. But I’m willing to bet that anytime someone doesn’t like what you’ve written or produced, it stings. And it’s personal too.

Whenever I’m in a presentation, my fight-or-flight response kicks in, usually half a second before my titles appear onscreen. Will the customer hate it? Or not understand it? Do I even know what I’m talking about? Maybe I should leave this meeting now.

I know I’m not alone, so I asked a few of my favorite writers, speech writers, and content creators how they stay the course when reviews and comments are pointing their ugly and inevitable heads.

Learn to trust your own judgment

Most people give you feedback to try to help you be better, not to lower your self-esteem. But as a creator, you know your work better than anyone, so be selective about the comments that matter to you.

Amy Morin, author of the international bestseller 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, says, “When editors and others give you constructive criticism, their intention isn’t to break you. In most cases, they are trying to help you be the best that you can be. And quite often, their suggestions are just what you need to help you bring out your own creativity the best it can be.

However, she adds, “It’s also good to remember that someone else’s opinion isn’t necessarily fact. There are times when you need to trust your own judgment. Ultimately, Morin says, “You have to feel comfortable with what you are delivering to the world. “

But accept that you’re not always right

For many designers, their work represents their identity. Therefore, if someone does not view their work favorably, it can be difficult to respond graciously. Jeff Pearlman, author of 1980s Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and The Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty, knows this all too well. He says, “When I was younger I was really bad at it. My first job at Tennessean was plagued by my atrocious attitude to change, and I owe every editor an apology for my behavior. Pearlman says he got better with age. “First, I remember today’s post is tomorrow’s fish wrap (whether online or in print). Second, I try to keep an open mind, ”he explains.

“I’m probably a better writer now than 20 years ago, but I’m also more willing to admit I’m not perfect, and sometimes other people’s ideas are good. It doesn’t all have to come from me, “Pearlman admits,” So I guess the key is perspective. “

Recognize that whatever happens, you won’t be able to please everyone

You might be an award winning comedian, but there will always be someone who doesn’t like your skit. It doesn’t mean that you are a failure.

“All kinds of people have all kinds of opinions; if you try to write for everyone you’ll end up writing for no one, ”Brad Stulberg, author of The Passion Paradox and Peak Performance, tells me. “People who don’t like your stuff are an integral part of the gig, it’s going to happen if you have skin in the game.”

Jess Liebson, Global Communications Specialist at Berry Global Inc., says review can be an opportunity to engage with your audience. “In today’s political climate, even the most positive stories are criticized,” says Liebson. “Some people fear the weather, but I accept it. It means people are passionate and people are ready to participate in real discussions. “

See it as an opportunity to produce better work

Remember that criticism is an opportunity to improve your work. Vinca LaFleur, Managing Partner of West Wing Writers, said: “As a speechwriter, my goal is to capture not only how a client sounds (or aspires to sound) but, more importantly, how they think, so what. At first it can be disheartening when a speaker comes back with many edits on a draft.

She notes that the review is part of the process. “Sometimes a speaker needs a first draft in hand in order to clarify for himself what he really means,” observes LaFleur. “Speech writing at its best isn’t about being a scribe, it’s about being a collaborator and a thinking partner,” she says. “Going back and forth with a draft can be a wonderful experience for the writer and the lecturer; and when a customer has feedback to share, it means they are engaged in the process and invested in the hardware, which means they will do a better job of delivery as well.

Don’t take it personally

Sometimes criticizing your work has nothing to do with your work, and everything to do with what your reader or audience thinks about a particular thing. Laura Bednar, content writer for SECURDEDATA, knows this all too well. As a newspaper editor, she sees reader comments when her articles are published online. While some are useful, others are less so.

“Sometimes commentators dispute what was written in the story even if the facts are corroborated by the source,” she said. “It can get pretty harsh, and a complaint can lead to a one-paragraph rant about the negative aspects of the media,” says Bednar. “I take these comments with a grain of salt. My editors always review my work, and often the best course of action is to ignore the comments and just keep reporting the truth.

It’s always nice to know that other writers feel the same way you do. As Stulberg points out, “comments and criticism are going to happen if you have skin in the game.”

Josh Womack is the co-founder of Laugh Staff and is responsible for creative direction, actor selection, and the only staff member to be in bed at 9pm.

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