{"id":38687,"date":"2021-06-16T20:39:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-17T00:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/?p=38687"},"modified":"2026-01-23T15:15:52","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T19:15:52","slug":"anxiety-triggered-by-criticism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/anxiety-triggered-by-criticism\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Cope With Anxiety Triggered by Criticism"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do you suffer from anxiety triggered by criticism? How can you reframe this criticism so that you no longer feel anxious about it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One aspect of life that triggers anxiety in almost everyone is criticism. Though unjust criticism might sting, it can be considered a compliment\u2014it means you\u2019re doing something that merits jealousy and attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is how a small change in perspective can help ease anxiety triggered by criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Dealing With Criticism Anxiety<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As natural as a negative reaction to criticism may be, it\u2019s important to learn how to control your emotions<\/a> and examine criticism with clear judgment because it often has the potential to teach valuable lessons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are three ways to deal with anxiety triggered by criticism: 1) remember that you\u2019re not perfect, 2) do your best, and 3) think of unjustified criticism as a compliment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) Remember That You\u2019re Not Perfect<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Without fail, we\u2019ve all<\/em> done foolish and regrettable things or made bad decisions\u2014and often, received justified criticism for what we\u2019ve done. Often, we instinctively react to this criticism in the worst possible way, either becoming angry and defensive or worried sick about what people must think of us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The <\/strong>best<\/em><\/strong> way to deal with justified criticism is to recognize that it\u2019s a valuable learning opportunity.<\/strong> Rationally, you probably know that you learn more from those who honestly criticize you or push back against your decisions than you\u2019ll learn from those who dishonestly praise you and blindly go along with your ideas. There are two ways to become more receptive to criticism and your potential to learn from it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) Be Your Own Worst Critic<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

When you examine and criticize yourself, you ensure that you won\u2019t be taken by surprise by others’ criticism. Furthermore, doing so gives you the opportunity to learn how criticism of your work can yield positive results, on your own, less emotionally charged terms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n