Sometimes it feels as though everyone has an opinion about what you’re doing wrong. Other times, we can be our own harshest critic. Criticism comes in all shapes and sizes, but it is almost always overwhelming. Being overcome with feelings of fear and anger in reaction to harsh words or thoughts can happen all too easily. Rather than concentrating on negativity, focusing on the core message behind the criticism can lead to growth.

Whether you are facing criticism from the people around you or your own inner critic, there are ways to use criticism to your own advantage. Let’s take a look at various tactics you can employ on a daily basis to help use criticism to motivate success.

Embracing your Inner Critic:

Everyone has faced their inner critic at one time or another. Feelings of self-doubt can arise from a variety of circumstances. Pursuing your dreams, taking risks or working to create something new can cause anxiety and fear of inadequacy, but these negative thoughts all come from the same place. Our inner critics come out to play for one simple reason: fear. Fear of failure or embarrassment is a common reaction to expanding into new areas in life. This fear should not be ignored or pushed past; it should instead be nurtured and understood.

Listening to your inner critic and reassuring yourself that everything is going to be alright will help to manage feelings of inferiority. Accept the fact your inner critic will always be with you and will, on occasion, need encouragement. Feelings of doubt are most likely to surface whenever you are taking on new projects or expanding. Instead of letting that pit in your stomach keep you from moving forward, use it as a sign you’re moving in the right direction. In times of change, you can also try heading off the fear before it comes up. Whatever method you prefer to use, embracing your inner critic will always prove far more effective than trying to silence it, and will make you more successful in achieving your goals.

Dealing with External Criticism:

Maintaining a certain level of detachment is important when dealing with criticism from others. Criticism hurts most when it matches our own worst thoughts about ourselves. Avoid feeding your inner critic by remembering that criticism simply provides us with facts about the opinions of those giving the feedback. It’s about them, not you. Separating the content from the tone is therefore extremely important to avoid hurt feelings. Concentrating on the message will allow you to grow without getting an injured ego.

Give the same value to criticism as you do praise. Growth can only be achieved when we acknowledge areas in need of improvement, and sometimes those areas are pointed out to us by others. Welcoming critiques will help you to avoid an immediate negative or resentful reaction towards suggestions made by others. You will then be in a position to sift out constructive criticism from criticism which is unjustified and unreasonably cruel. Criticism without merit can be hurtful, but if you remain detached you can dismiss it completely and concentrate solely on helpful feedback.

Learning to embrace your inner critic, as well as criticism from others will put you at a distinct advantage over those who face criticism with fear and anger. Acknowledging and welcoming criticism as a necessary part of life will in turn allow it to be used as fuel to improve. When feelings of self-doubt are addressed and worked through, you will be able to move more confidently towards your goals.

As American writer, artist and philosopher Elbert Hubbard once said, “The final proof of greatness lies in being able to endure criticism without resentment.”