"من انتقاد را دوست دارم. آدم را قوی می‌کند."

Criticism, when you think about it, is like working out. Just as lifting weights builds muscle, hearing what others think—especially the tough stuff—can make you stronger, too. We often shy away from it, but there's a gold mine of growth hidden in those tough words.

Historically, this idea is nothing new. It's something many successful figures have embraced. Take, for example, the world of athletes. Michael Jordan, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, didn't shy away from criticism. Coaches, teammates, and even the media constantly critiqued his game. Instead of letting it break him, he used it to refine his skills, become tougher, and ultimately, dominate the sport. So, when Muhammad Ali said, "I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion,'" he wasn’t just talking about physical training. Criticism was part of that training, too.

Now, let’s bring this idea into a real-life scenario. Imagine you're a writer. You've spent weeks crafting a story you're proud of, and you submit it to a critique group. When the feedback comes back, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Someone points out plot holes, another says the characters feel flat, and yet another mentions that your dialogue is stilted. It stings. But instead of throwing in the towel, you take a deep breath and listen. You start to see their points and realize they’re right. So, you revise. You rewrite scenes, deepen your characters, and polish your dialogue. The result? Your story is stronger, richer, and more compelling than ever before. That feedback—though tough to swallow—was the catalyst for your growth.

If you want to apply this wisdom, start by changing your perspective on criticism. Instead of seeing it as a personal attack, view it as a tool for improvement. Actively seek it out. Ask for feedback from people you trust and respect. When you receive it, resist the urge to get defensive. Listen, reflect, and then act on it. The more you do this, the less criticism will sting and the stronger you'll become.

Let me share a story to illustrate this. Picture a young chef named Alex. Alex dreamed of opening a restaurant but had little experience. She started by cooking for friends and family, who praised her dishes—except for her aunt, who always had something to critique. "This needs more salt," she'd say, or "The texture's off." Initially, Alex was frustrated. But then she realized her aunt's comments were spot-on. So, Alex embraced the criticism. She tweaked her recipes, fine-tuned her techniques, and tested her dishes over and over. When she finally opened her restaurant, it was a hit. Customers raved about the flavors, textures, and creativity of her menu. Her aunt's criticism, once seen as annoying, had been the key to her success.

In a nutshell, embracing criticism is about shifting your mindset and seeing the potential for growth. It’s not easy, and it can be uncomfortable, but the strength you gain from it is invaluable. So next time you receive some tough feedback, don’t shy away. Embrace it, learn from it, and let it make you stronger.