Thursday, July 19, 2012

Can You Handle Correction? Five Indicators


One thing I love about the creative process is that it teaches me about how to grow as a person. As Kurt Vonnegut said, "Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven's sake."

Just as you must handle criticism for your writing, you've got to learn how to live with it on an everyday basis. You must identify where your ego is in the process, and make sure it's not in your way.

Here are six indicators that you're learning to constructively handle critical feedback or thoughts.

1) You don't take it personally. When you mess up, you know it's not the end of your life. Each day, each moment, is a new beginning and there are endless chances to get things right.

2) You remember who you are, and that your value is separate from your role in the outside world and all of the work you do.

3) You take time to "cool down" from life, remembering what's really important, getting away from the idea that you are your work.

4) You are already working on improving weak areas in your life, so when these are pointed out to you (graciously or not so graciously), you take advantage of the opportunity to grow.

5) When you've been recognized as amazing, you give the credit to your Greater Source, knowing anyone else could have done the same thing. You acknowledge that you are not alone, and you feel grateful rather than boastful.