Taking criticism requires having high self-esteem. Keep your head up with these positive practices.

You Will Need

A positive attitude

Listening skills

Questions

Goals

Steps

STEP 1 Listen

Listen patiently to the person who is criticizing you, take mental notes, and try to hold in your emotions.

STEP 2 Ask questions

Ask the critic to explain exactly what they expect from you.

STEP 3 Reflect on conversation

Reflect on your conversation and look at criticism as a way to improve yourself. Welcome criticism and learn from your mistakes.

Forgive yourself for mistakes, and don't focus on your weaknesses. You're only human.

STEP 4 Create goals

Create goals for yourself. Achieving goals improves your self-esteem and helps you take criticism better.

STEP 5 Welcome failure

Welcome failure instead of fearing it. Turn it into a learning experience and keep trying if you fail.

STEP 6 Focus on strengths

Focus on your strengths and past successes. Be proud of yourself and celebrate your accomplishments.

STEP 7 Laugh

Laugh at yourself. Share your experiences with friends and family and make light of them.

Written in 1709, Alexander Pope's first major poem, "An Essay on Criticism," gave us the immortal line, "To err is humane; to forgive,divine."