Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Take it to Heart



One of my many flaws is that I tend to take criticism to heart.  You see, I know that criticism can be constructive and I envy people who are able to take someone's supportive suggestions for improvement and actually build on them to become a better person. 

Me?  Well, I tend to take any notion of negative implementations as a major hit against my character.  I think this comes from my strong willed desire to please everyone.  But unfortunately, simply pleasing people isn't good enough.  I feel the need to blow people away.  Toly tells me I'm such a passionate person but sometimes my passion goes to far.  

Why am I telling you all this?  Well, probably just for my own benefit.  Not that I had anyone full out criticize something I've done lately, but I think I've just been under a lot of pressure and stress and I'm starting to take it to heart.  I need to learn to trust that who I am and what I do is good enough.  I know I put everything I am into just about anything I do and that is all that I can offer.  I'm definitely going to continue to work on being so hard on myself. 

I'm worth it!

Thanks for listening, now let's move on. 

I had to be out the door for an early event so I made a quick but delicious breakfast. 

1 Natures Path Waffle with Mighty Maple, 1/2 Mashed Banana, Flax, Walnuts, Agave


1/2 leftover Chobani with some granola 



This was eaten fast but very much enjoyed.  

I was working all morning and had to go back in to the office in the afternoon, but in-between, I paused for a fantastic lunch. 


Arugula, Broccoli, Zucchini, Tomatoes, Beans, Carrots, Tofu, White Bean Hummus, Balsamic


This could just be my imagination, but I swear this is some of the best cantaloupe I've had all season. I didn't even think it was in season anymore! 

After work, I was going to go for a run, but the sudden thunderstorm as I was getting ready to leave didn't agree with those plans. 

Luckily, I had my gym bag with me so I popped into the gym for a 3.25 mile run on the treadmill followed by lots of ab work. 

When I got home, it was getting late so I went straight to dinner mode. 

BFD mode actually! 

Egg Toast! 



1 slice TJ's Rustica Bread, Dijon, Pesto, Goat Cheese, Asparagus, Scrambled Egg, Jam



This is my favorite egg toast variation.  I'll say this again, if you have yet to try jam on your eggs, do it because you'll be amazed! 
I roasted some brussels sprouts to complete this meal. 

Toly's BFD was his usual, Egg, Bacon and Cheese with homefries.  Just the way he likes it. 



Well I'm out.  Our realtor and builder will be here soon to sign some contracts. 


Question: How do you deal with criticism?  Constructive or not. 


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12 comments:

  1. If it's constructive, I appreciate it and learn from it, but if it's self-serving, I take it with a grain of salt and move on!

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  2. Ugh, I'm horrible with criticism too. Even when people aren't trying to bring me down, I always end up feeling bad about myself. Definitely something I need to work on too!

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  3. I am the same way! I try to be 150% on everything and...well its just impossible sometimes! I had cantaloupe today and thought EXACTLY the same thing. It was the best I've had all season. Beautiful brinner :)

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  4. Here is what I have learned as a business owner: take critiques with a thick skin and a soft heart. :)

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  5. I am horrible with criticism. I, like you, take it as a personal attack on me as a person. I am such a people pleaser and am very much a perfectionist, so when I get criticized, I feel like I have "failed" those people and get really upset.

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  6. You ARE worth it!

    I'm also not so great with criticism... I try to make everyone happy and often feel very sensitive and defensive and attacked when someone says anything remotely critical.

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  7. I struggle with criticism. As I embark on this MFA program, I know that I need to be more open to constructive criticism, but I have such a hard time not getting my feelings hurt! Thank you for sharing your own thoughts about criticism. It was encouraging to hear your own struggles with it.

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  8. You have no reason to feel down or bad about yourself. I get that gross feeling too when I'm critiqued or commented on-even the little things!

    You can't change what others may have to say but your reaction can adjust. Take anything that comes your way with a grain of salt. You are so much better without negative energy in your direction! xo

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  9. Criticism is ALWAYS hard. For me, the hardest thing is when someone critiques my work, like my writing or art. It's a bit tough to swallow because I know it's the truth and not just out of mean spirit, but I also know that it will help me out in the long run.

    If it's mean spirited, ignore it. If it's out of good will, accept it, because behind that criticism is love.

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  10. i always dwell on criticism, i get so defensive and take everything so personally-- something to work on, i suppose! but you ARE worth it. great call

    it's almost the weekend, smile!
    loooove,
    bec

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  11. I want that salad. NOW! :)

    I'll take a couple pieces of pumpkin cornbread as well ! :D

    And yeah, I'm a perfectionist, so I'm SUPER hard on myself always. BLAH. My goal is to stop comparing myself to others!!

    LOVE YOU LAUREEEEEEEEEEN!

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  12. in my biz i hear all sorts of things - good and bad. i've learned to listen to myself first, and ultimately, just choose to embrace the things that will help me grow.

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