Do you like being criticised? It’s tough, especially when we’re told things like:
You always do that…
Why don’t you ever…
You never…
You say that every time…
Criticism is actually feedback from the people around us and if we get curious about what is being said, especially if it includes words like always, ever, never and all the time, it could very well be an indication of a pattern in our behaviour. The good thing about behavioural patterns, is that we can change them, if we spot them.
Criticism (feedback) is actually an open invitation to learn and grow. What more could you possibly want? The people we interact with offer us clear clues to where our personal growth opportunities are.
For example: If someone says you always do or say something, it might mean that you have a set opinion or point of view about something and you are not open to hear another and possibly change yours. It could also mean that something feels threatening or dangerous to you in a particular situation, so you stick to your guns whenever that situation arises.
Another example: When the feedback is about you never wanting to discuss a specific matter, it could be because there is something very uncomfortable or painful around the issue that you are trying to avoid. It could also mean that you would rather not talk about it, for fear of the conversation erupting in conflict.
Whatever the case, it is always worthwhile to uncover the root(s) of repetitive responses and patterns as they are our default behaviours that we’ll resort to whenever we face adversities and that’s where the most amazing personal breakthroughs are experienced.
Also Read What If You’re Wrong?