START YOUR WEEK WITH THE COACH
“Are you a critic, or a problem-solver?”
A kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they drew, occasionally stopping to observe each child’s artwork. As she got to one little girl laboring diligently, she asked what she was drawing. The girl replied, “I’m drawing God.” The teacher paused and said, “But no one knows what God looks like.” Without missing a beat or even looking up from her drawing the little girl said, “They will in a minute.”
Its been said, “The person who says something can’t be done should not interrupt the person doing it, or at least giving it their best. “ If it seems you’re always getting kicked from behind, it usually means you’re in the lead.
Those who set goals and attempt what others feel is impossible can expect criticism. Never accept criticism from anyone who doesn’t have your best interests at heart. I call them vision drainers. Don’t spend time with basement people, their view is very limited and usually cloudy. Invest in balcony friends. They look over a lot of “stuff,” can see a long way and always produce a better return.
Don’t feel like you have to respond to everyone who has an opinion, especially those whose opinions are destructive and edify no one. A Yiddish proverb says, “A critic is like a girl who can’t dance so she says the band cannot play.” Critics always know the right answers but seldom probe deep enough to ask the right questions.
Critics soon become cynics and believe the main purpose of sunshine is to cast shadows. Oscar Wilde said, “Critics always know the price of everything and the value of nothing.” Never allow critics to live in your mind rent free.
Some people join the wrecking crew and then criticize those on the construction crew. Don’t be a cloud because you can’t be a star. Follow the Optimist Creed that says, “Give so much time to improving yourself and those around you that you have no time for criticizing.”
“A critic is a man created to praise greater men than himself but he’s never able to find them.” Richard Le Gallienne
Don’t let negative critics have access to your mind much less build their castles of impossibilities there that take the heart out of your dream. Critics seldom help you solve your problem. Most of the time, if not checked, will kill your dream!