“Enough quality time with positive people will minimize the effect of negative criticism.”

A thought by John C. Maxwell (2013-02-15) from his book, Be A People Person: Effective Leadership Through Effective Relationships (p. 152). David C. Cook. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title of the book to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

I really don’t like criticism but I know that it is a part of life especially if you are striving to make a difference.

John says, “When you have optional time, spend it with people who will build you up. Enough quality time with positive people will minimize the effect of negative criticism.”

But then he says, “It will also discourage you from being critical. When a hawk is attacked by crows, he does not counterattack. Instead, he soars higher and higher in ever widening circles until the pests leave him alone. Circle above your adversaries rather than battle with them. If your positive attitude has any effect on negative people, it will be because of your example, not your defensiveness. So rise above them. It really is hard to soar like an eagle if you identify with turkeys!”

John earlier said, “Learning how to handle criticism was one of the most difficult lessons I ever had. I grew up in a church where the surest sign of success was a unanimous pastoral vote…I went to my first pastorate in Hillham, Indiana. At the end of the first year we had thirty-three members; the vote was thirty-one ‘yes,’ one ‘no,’ and one ‘abstain.’ That put me in a panic. I immediately called my father and asked if he thought I should resign from the church. He couldn’t imagine why I was so upset and laughed hysterically. Little did I realize that would be the best vote I’d ever receive in my career as a pastor! Knowing there was just one person, possibly two, who did not like what I was doing was very difficult for me to handle. Since then I’ve learned that if you want to do great things for God, there will always be someone who doesn’t want to participate.”

We need someone in our life that will help to give us the right perspective toward criticism. And sometimes it is just to laugh at it. I love that story.

So who is in your life who will help you counteract criticism?

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