Listening to criticism

I remember years ago, when I joined an art class in college. And before I say anything, this is not to sound petty, but hopefully it might help someone. I was so excited for that class. Drawing was the one thing I thought I had talent for. But my art teacher hated my work so much, I could hear his sighs every time I walked into the classroom, haha.

One day he told me, “You should quit. You don’t have a future in drawing.”

Yeah… It didn't feel good. Maybe it wasn’t the best way to say it. But there was something in there that mattered. I wasn’t as good as I thought I was. And that’s a hard thing to accept. Listening to criticism is uncomfortable. Sometimes people don’t know how to say things in a kind way. Sometimes it feels harsh, or unfair, or personal. And our first instinct is to protect ourselves.

But something interesting happens when you stop taking yourself so seriously. That ceiling that was holding you back disappears. You leave your ego aside, and suddenly you start seeing ways to improve instead of just what hurt your feelings. I did suck at the time... and maybe I still draw like a five-year-old in some ways. But I leaned into storytelling. I kept going. I kept learning.

Sometimes a mean comment from a stranger can say more than a kind silence from a friend who doesn’t want to hurt you.

So listen openly. Take what helps, leave what doesn’t, and keep going. 💛