The Character of Critics

From Guest Author, Jim Stovall

All of us want people to think well of us and say good things about us. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen.

I have written 15 books and had several of them made into major motion pictures. Writing a book or making a movie is a very personal and creative process. You have thoughts, ideas, and concepts that you want to share with the world so you release your book or movie to the general public. Then you get to encounter a new group of people known as critics.

I do not know what qualifies people to be critics other than the fact that they want to pass judgment on the work of others. I certainly understand that before you spend your time or money on someone’s book or movie, you may want to get someone else’s opinion. Throughout my many books or movies, I must say that the critics have been very kind and, for the most part, very fair to me. 

You don’t have to write a book or make a movie to be confronted with critics. They may come in the form of friends, family members, or coworkers. Criticism can be awkward and painful to receive, but it is important to avoid overreacting to the criticism. 

Aristotle said, “The only way to avoid criticism is to say nothing, do nothing, and be nothing.” 

Whether it’s the art of Michelangelo, the writings of William Shakespeare, or the music of Bach and Beethoven, they have all fallen prey to critics and criticism. 

When you receive criticism, you need to judge it in several ways so you can determine how best to proceed. 

  1. Look at who is providing the criticism and what motives they have. Are they trying to be constructive, or are they destructive and manipulating? Is it their job to critique you, or do they have some other motive?
  2. Be objective, and ask yourself: Is this criticism valid? Are there things you can learn from the questions raised by the critic?
  3. How has this particular critic handled other people? Are they negative about everything, or have they found valid points about other people?
  4. Are you taking the criticism personally? You must remain loyal to your potential and not your current performance.

I remember one critic writing a review of one of my books saying, “This is a thinly-veiled message wrapped with a novel.”  My first reaction was to be hurt or offended, but as I really thought about it, I realized all of my books and each of these columns are messages. The stories, points, or examples are simply vehicles to better deliver the message and relate to those we are trying to impact.

As you go through your day today, realize if you are being criticized it is because you are doing something and making a difference.  If the criticism can help you, use it. If not, let it go.

Today’s the day!

Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network as well as a published author of many books including The Ultimate Gift.  He is also a columnist and motivational speaker.  He may be reached at 5840 South Memorial Drive, Suite 312, Tulsa, OK  74145-9082; by e-mail at Jim@JimStovall.com; or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jimstovallauthor.

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