Constructive Criticism

Accepting criticism is not easy to do for anyone. We are taught at an early age that if you don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say anything at all. So when someone is criticizing you it is hard to consider it thoughtfully because it is usually considered something bad. This is not always the case, it is healthy to receive constructive criticism about ourselves and it is how we grow as individuals. Everyone is not perfect and it is okay to realize that we all have faults and I have learned recently that it helps us become better communicators.
Furthermore, we need to learn to how to respond to criticism constructively. It is normal to become defensive when someone offers criticism in a negative manner. But by being a good communicator …show more content…
I told myself to really listen to her this time because it is important for you to be healthier for your family. So, I sat there across from her as she explained my blood test results and my vital signs. She told me that my blood pressure, thyroid, liver enzymes, and bad cholesterol were all great and that I hadn’t gained any more weight since last year, but I hadn’t lost any either. I let her continue that my good cholesterol was a little high which tells her that I haven’t been exercising like I should be. She also explained to me that I am 41 years old and that if I don’t lose the weight now that it will get harder as I get older. I sat there and really listened to her this …show more content…
If I would have walked in not willing to listen to her criticism then I may have not had as good of a conversation with her and I might not have learned of the other ways to help with my weight loss. I am really excited now to try some new things to make my weight endeavor a success this year and a lifelong commitment. I am excited to go back for my physical next year because I know I will not dread getting on the scale. This is a lot different then I felt when I left the clinic last year after hearing what the doctor told me. “We tend to react negatively to such judgmental language, and we may dismiss the criticism or just think that the other person is being mean” (Wood, 2016). This year by going in with an open mind and listening to what she had to say then discussing what I can do to change my lifestyle really helped me see that she wasn’t lecturing me that she was just trying to help me. When I thanked her for what she told me I could she in her face that I really meant it and I believe that we formed a better relationship as patient and