Criticism and bad opinions of fellow human beings get under the skin of many people. As a result, they fear negative comments so much that they spend their lives shyly hiding and trying not to be noticed.
Fear of criticism manifests itself through physical and bodily reactions. It can run hot and cold down your spine, rob you of sleep at night and lead to days of depressive moods. Anyone who suffers from such anxiety is not alone and would do well to work on themselves. If you get a "thicker skin", you learn to cope better with negative things and also with problems.
How do you manage to get a "thicker skin"?
The difference between fact and opinion
Criticism is not how you really are, but how someone perceives you or what opinion someone has formed about you. For example, if someone criticises your work, it does not at all mean that you are bad.
If you manage to separate the mere views from the facts, you prevent yourself from falling into the spiral of depression that inevitably pulls you further down. Change not who you are, but how you want to be perceived by others.
Find the cause
Not every bad opinion or criticism drags you down. Some negative comments bounce off you, while certain others are the ones that hurt you deeply. These are generally deep-seated opinions that you have of yourself and that you see confirmed by the criticism.
Find out what the deep triggers are so that you can prepare yourself and not be unarmed in the face of bad criticism. Find your own weak points and complexes and try to work on them.
Turn negatives into positives
Criticism can be very constructive if you want it to be. Take a bad comment as an opportunity to improve yourself. Most of the criticism we receive is not meant as a suggestion but to hurt and therefore makes it difficult to remain neutral.
Nevertheless, you can learn to find something positive in every negative. If you can do that, you will be well prepared and have more energy for the future.
Learn to ignore destructive criticism
Comments that only serve to hurt usually have no substance. Therefore, you will not find much positive in them. Instead, you can learn to recognise this kind of criticism and consider it void.
Concentrate on constructive criticism that will help you in life and disregard silly remarks.
Look for a role model
The world is full of successful and respected people who were teased, criticised or even ridiculed at the beginning of their career or life. Look for someone who has defied all criticism and managed to rise above things. You can learn from this person and be inspired.
