Mastering The Art Of Positivity And Receiving Feedback.

As someone who values excellence, it can be challenging to accept Feedback from others.

I tend to tie my self-worth to my performance and have high expectations of myself, making it difficult to get anything less than perfection.

However, it’s essential to view Feedback as a valuable opportunity for growth rather than something to be avoided or dismissed.

It should be treated as the satisfying dessert that follows a fulfilling meal.

Stephen King once said, “You can and should start, and if you’re brave enough, you will.”

Oprah Winfrey has stated that altering one’s attitude can lead to a significant transformation of their future.

If you can relate to me, I have some tips to help you feel encouraged and motivated while receiving.

The mind plays us

At times, our minds can deceive us when we receive Feedback. In my own experience, it is helpful to approach Feedback with a global perspective.

Rather than taking criticism personally and assuming that I am being judged as a person, I interpret the Feedback as a reflection of the situation or task at hand.

For instance, if someone tells me something isn’t functioning well, I avoid feeling personally offended and instead focus on improving the situation.

I perceive a colleague’s feeling of being unsupported in a particular case as an opportunity for personal growth and development rather than taking it as a personal affront.

Adopting a constructive and non-judgmental mindset when receiving Feedback can help us stay open-minded and receptive to improvement.

I take a piece of Feedback related to behaviour (state) and turn it into a characteristic of myself (trait).

When hearing Feedback, remember the natural tendency to do this — that way, I am more likely to catch it when it happens — and remind myself that my growth area does not necessarily mean I am a poor friend.

Find the positive intentions.

It is remembered that each weakness can also possess a corresponding strength or positive intention. To illustrate, shyness can indicate conscientiousness, while anxiety may be viewed as a form of protection from humiliation.

Even impulsivity can demonstrate the capability to take action. It is important to note that this perspective does not justify negative behaviours.

Yet, it is essential to recognize that they may originate from a positive place or result in positive outcomes. Therefore, we must consider these positive aspects while striving for personal development.

Use mindfulness and self-compassion

Mindfulness and self-compassion are two of our most valuable qualities in life. With mindfulness, I have insight into my experience and thus can improve.

Without self-compassion, I can’t sit with the inevitable discomfort of life outlined in the first point.

Self-compassion is about treating oneself as a great coach with realistic, flexible expectations that encourage growth — but also with kindness and the understanding that I am an imperfect human being programmed to learn as I go, not a robot for perfection.

Having growth areas is a good thing

Realizing that I have areas to work on is a positive thing. It shows that there is still room for improvement and growth in my performance.

If I had not improved, I would have reached my full potential and may have yet to have the opportunity to excel further.

Recognizing my growth areas allows me to focus on developing my skills and achieving my goals, unlocking my full potential.

When I receive Feedback, I realize that feeling uncomfortable is healthy, standard, and part of the process.

Nobody likes to feel uncomfortable, physically or emotionally. And my world does an excellent job of helping me avoid discomfort. I feel physical pain; I take a pill.

I feel emotional pain, take medicine, eat, drink, distract, numb, avoid, or suppress. Suppose I foresee emotional discomfort (such as shame, rejection, inadequacy, anger, hurt, anxiety, contempt, etc., that I might feel in response to Feedback).

In that case, I do everything I can to prevent realizing the situation.

Feeling uncomfortable is a normal and necessary part of life. When I make space for the discomfort and permit myself to feel the complicated feelings that come along with growth, that’s where the magic can happen.

My Learning

The way forward is to be honest and straightforward. Critical Feedback inspires me to improve. Don’t be afraid or shun Feedback ( friendly banter) from colleagues or clients.

So, it should be taken in good spirits. They are good if they inspire solutions or at least look at them. Feedback can motivate us and our work to the next level. I love them.

What do you find helpful to keep in mind when receiving Feedback? Please feel free to continue the conversation by sharing additional strategies!

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