THOUGHTS
Critical Conditions
Don’t let negative thoughts hold you back
“There is only one way to avoid criticism: Do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.” ~Aristotle
What if critics didn’t exist? Not just those who make it their profession — the ones who tell us which books we should read, which movies to see, where to eat, or which artistic endeavors have value. What if all the critical tongues fell silent and only the encouragers and teachers spoke out?
What if the nature of criticism changed? What if it didn’t have the power to embarrass or deflate? What if criticism didn’t press at the cracks, exploit weaknesses, or tear things down? What if it was purely for reinforcement? What if it couldn’t undermine or destroy? What if it could only build up?
What would you wear if appearances didn’t matter? What would you say if no one would make you feel judged or ignorant? Where would you go if you never felt out of place or unaccepted? What would you try if you weren’t afraid of failing or being laughed at? If no one could hurt your feelings or fill your mind with doubt, who would you be?
It’s so easy to be critical — to pick apart and tear down. No one is perfect. It’s easy to find flaws. Imperfections are inevitable, so we might as well embrace them. It is possible to work towards being better while still appreciating who and where you are now.
Trying to create, grow, or exist amidst constant criticism is excruciating work. A word of disparagement can seem harmless and yet still be sinister. Critics can smother dreams, kill ambitions, and drown hopes. They can shove creativity into an abysmal hole. They can change the course of a life. They can make someone give up.
But what if the critic is internal? What if your inner voice is telling you that, despite all of your doubts, you’re still not as good as you think? Do you ever worry that your insecurities are both warranted and insufficient? How often do you tell yourself you haven’t done enough, or you aren’t good enough?
Self-criticism is the worst kind. It can put us in critical condition mentally and emotionally — weaken the pulse of who we are. It is when we put the…
