CFGC_USA

No one likes to be criticized, especially by when they feel it is undeserved or just plain wrong.
Few things in life are more annoying than unasked for advice; but it does come long. Some people just have to “prove they are right” to somebody on any given day.
If no one is criticizing you about anything yet, just give them some time, and you will probably have your share of critics.
When you are pursuing excellence in your chosen field and are breaking some new ground or if you question some of the “sacred cows” that certain groups cling to, get ready for the onslaught.
That, however, does not necessarily have to be a negative thing. If you approach it in the right way, you can gain some worthwhile information.
While much of what is spouted off online is pure nonsense, but, some things are worth considering and merit closer scrutiny.
Being able to sort this stuff out is kind of an “art form”, here are a few things that work for me:
• The first step is not to react to your critics immediately, they would love you to, so don’t give them that satisfaction.
• Wait a couple of days before going back to review what was said, so don’t delete it yet.
• Don’t let it make you bitter, because it can dominate your thoughts for a long time.
• Sometimes there is a faint glimmer of truth mixed in (usually in very small proportions, I might add) with the rants. Seek it out, and consider it fertilizer for more productive thought.
• If new and valid sources of information are brought to light, investigate them further.
• Learn from the experience, change what needs to be changed (if anything), and press on vigorously with the next chapter of your life.
• Don’t live in the past.
Remember, don’t take advice from people who have nothing to lose if you fail while doing what they said would work.
After having been around various training environments, such as martial arts, military, and fitness for over 40 years I have seen many hotshots come and go.
I have also seen a group of dedicated, humble, and hard-working people endure the tests of time and personify excellence in their fields and in life.
These are the people I respect and learn from.