Honest criticism is hard to take, particularly from a relative, friend, acquaintance, or stranger.
(Franklin P. Jones)

In theory, we all know that we could stand to improve in certain areas, but hearing the actual words can throw us for a loop. Especially when you don’t see them coming.

Because of this, most of us avoid doing the very thing that will not only make these remarks easier to take, but eliminate the need for many of them in the first place. What is that one thing? Simple…you ask people you trust and respect to give you honest feedback.

It will hurt at first, but like jogging or lifting weights, the more you do it, the easier the task will become. If we could learn to seek out that type of honest criticism from those closest to us, and then listen without defending ourselves, we would grow by leaps and bounds.

Be careful though, don’t ask people to tell you how you could improve and then get defensive and tell them they are wrong. That’s even worse than never asking in the first place.

Peace,