Latest Self Help Forum Topics:

  • what is the best self help book? (14 posts)
  • Best self-help books? (7 posts)
  • Self-Help? (4 posts)
  • Self Injury treatment/help groups or places in Utah??? (6 posts)
  • Help Self harm? (9 posts)
  • i feel that i have poor self control what do i do PLEASE HELP!!!? (3 posts)
  • self-help ???????? (3 posts)
  • How can we help young girls with self esteem? (12 posts)
  • Self employment help please? (2 posts)
  • Can you recommend a self-help book to help build my self esteem? (9 posts)
  • help me gain self confidence? (10 posts)
  • Self-Harm help? (9 posts)
  • Self Harming? I Need, Serious Urgent Help. Please? (11 posts)
  • self harm??HELP? (7 posts)
  • My self confidence and guys.. Please just take a look and see if you could help? (6 posts)
  •  

    Coping With Criticism

    One of the areas that people with low self-esteem have greatest difficulty with is criticism - giving as well as receiving it. Both can be extraordinarily difficult. In fact some individuals are absolutely demolished by criticism, but it's something we cannot avoid.

    Now, criticism is often unfair - and when it is we need to counter it by putting our own case succinctly and calmly. But some criticism is justified - and when we're sensible we can learn from it.

    Often when we're criticized, we're so hurt that we start excusing ourselves and rebutting what's being said without really listening to it.

    A mature, self-possessed person listens to criticism without interrupting. If there are aspects to the criticism that are valid, just begins by agreeing with those points. If you’re unsure what's being said, ask for clarification. If indeed you are wrong, say so and apologize. But if you disagree with the criticism, smile and says: 'I'm afraid I don't agree with you.'

    Now, it takes quite a lot of practice to feel and act this cool. So let's go through it again. When someone criticizes you:
    listen - don't interrupt or start excusing yourself
    agree - where possible
    ask for clarification
    when you're wrong, admit it and apologize
    if criticism is wrong or unfair say: 'I'm afraid that I don't agree with you'
    Now, let's look at giving criticism, because people with poor-self esteem often find it harder to dish out criticism than receive it. In fact many adults actually avoid promotion because they can't face the prospect of being in authority and having to criticize others.

    So, how can you learn to criticize when you have to?

    First of all, keep calm. Second, try to make your criticism at an appropriate time, rather than waiting till you're so fed up that you're furiously angry - when you'll be bound to make a mess of it.

    Take some deep breaths when you know you've got to criticize someone. Then try a technique called the ‘criticism sandwich'. This means that you say something nice to the person you’re criticizing, then you insert the criticism, then you end with something else that nice or positive or flatter.

    You might notice that people, who are good and fair when they criticize, tend to use the word 'I' rather than the word 'you'. This is because the word 'I' shows you're in control and that you've thought about what you're saying.
    All too frequently when we're out of control we don't say anything initially, which is when we should address the problem. Instead we bottle it up till we explode. Then we use the words 'you', 'you're' and 'your' all the time. We say: 'You're lazy.' Or 'You make me sick.'
    These kinds of phrases sound very angry and accusatory. They also show that we're not in control. And after uttering them we generally feel worse about ourselves and our self-esteem plummets even more.

    So just to recap, when criticizing:
    use the word 'I', not the word 'you'
    keep calm and do some deep breathing
    use the ‘criticism sandwich’ technique
    always try to criticize a person's behavior rather than the person
    These tips are just as handy when it comes to standing up for yourself in other situations. And they're very useful when you want to be able to say 'no' without feeling guilty. Just keep calm and use the word 'I'.

    Say: 'I won't be coming to that party with you.' Or: Or; 'I can't work late tonight, I'm sorry. But if necessary I'll happily stay tomorrow.' And never, ever apologize for saying no. It’s your right – exercise it.

    People with poor self-esteem are always getting talked into doing things that they don't want to do. Does this sound like you? If so, it must stop if you want to value yourself more. So learning how to stay calm and just say 'no' is very important.

    Now that we’ve looked at different ways you can combat low self-esteem, our next section is the quick start guide. It’s packed with tips on how to start raising your self-esteem – right now!

    Sponsored Ads:

    Related Articles:

    Also In This Category:

    Currently Online :

    10 member(s), 22 guest(s):
    AbstractCat, DawnsAwaken, Dyllon, Eatsnow, Eclipse, Freedom, KittyInCollinder, LostMarbles, pricklycharacter, Scorpion, Ask Jeeves, Google, MSN.com, Slurp

    Search :

    No comments yet
    Categories: Make Life Long Friends Overcoming Fear Relaxation Overcoming Shyness Vision Board Self Defense Tips Get Organized Gratitude Memory Changing your Life Positively Life Saving Strategies Personal Development Sleep And How To Rest Better The Power of Positive Thinking Speed Reading Improve Yourself Dating & Relationships Ten Ways to Change Your Life Learn Chinese Hypnosis Feng Shui Anger Self Improvement Subliminal Tapes Business Self Starters Coaching Programs Today Popular Marketplace Items Self Improvement with Yoga Brain Juicer Brainstorming Breaking Bad Habits Self-Help Success Tips Shared Road To Success Self-Defense For Women Tatoos Law Of Attraction Positive Self Talk Personal Development Time Management Tips Eliminating Stress & Anxiety Manage Time Create More Time Procrastination Self Improvement Therapy Self Development Losing Weight Overcoming Fear Of Spiders Law Of Attraction Getting A Life Time Management Stress Management Self Confidence Self Improvement Self Esteem Positive Thinking Motivation Life Coach Leadership Development Happiness Goal Setting Emotional Intelligence Creativity Communication Skills Anger Management Public Speaking