LET GO OF OTHERS OPINIONS

Like water of a ducks back

In today’s interconnected world, where opinions and feedback are constantly being shared, it's not uncommon to encounter criticism, or to feel the weight of other people’s opinions about you, or the things you care about. If you’re someone who finds it challenging to deal with feedback, especially when you believe you, your work, or your views are noteworthy, you’re not alone. Negative remarks can sting, leaving you feeling hurt and vulnerable. 

An approach to coping with this is to develop mindset where criticism rolls off you effortlessly.. ever heard of the saying like water off a duck’s back’?!  

I know many say it’s easier said than done, which I understand, after all we all want to be see/heard and valued. However the art of not letting ‘external opinions’ influence your internal world is something that can be learnt, practiced once you are consciously aware of it.

Understanding the Source of Criticism: The first step to achieving this mindset is to recognise that criticism often says more about the critic than it does about you. When someone criticises harshly, they are usually reflecting their own insecurities and frustrations. This realisation can be liberating. Instead of taking their words to heart, understand that their comments are a projection of their inner turmoil.

Consider the Source: Evaluate who is giving the criticism. Is this person someone whose opinion you respect and value? If not, it’s easier to dismiss their remarks as irrelevant. Even if the source is someone you respect, remember that everyone has off days and their feedback might be more about them than about you.

Maintaining Your Composure: Staying composed in the face of criticism involves a few key strategies. Firstly, pause and breathe. Taking a moment to collect your thoughts can prevent an emotional reaction. Secondly, remind yourself of your value and the quality of your work. Confidence in your abilities can act as a buffer against negative comments.

Focus on any Constructive Elements: If there’s any constructive feedback hidden within the criticism, focus on that. Use it as an opportunity for growth. If the feedback is purely negative and unhelpful, let it go. Not all criticism is worth your time and energy.

Detach Emotionally: When unwanted or unkind criticism comes your way, try to detach emotionally. There are a few tools that you can use to ‘shrug it off’:

• View the feedback objectively, as if it’s directed at someone else. This detachment helps to prevent your ego from feeling wounded. 
• How about imagining you are in a golden bubble of protection so that harsh opinions can’t reach you,
• Imagine that you have an impenetrable waterproof shield all around you deflecting off negative energy so that unwanted/unwarranted opinions can wash over you without penetrating you, just like water off a ducks back!

 
Building Resilience Over Time
Developing a 'water off a duck’s back' attitude takes practice. It involves consistently reminding yourself not to personalise negative comments. Over time, you’ll build resilience, making it easier to stay unfazed by criticism. One effective method is to regularly engage in self-reflection and self-improvement. The more secure you are in your abilities and achievements, the less impact external opinions will have on you.

In essence, adopting a 'water off a duck’s back' approach to criticism involves understanding that negative comments often reflect the critic’s issues rather than your own. By detaching emotionally, considering the source, and focusing on constructive elements, you can protect your self-esteem and maintain your peace of mind. Over time, with practice, you’ll find it easier to let go of negativity and stay unaffected by the opinions of others. Embrace this resilient mindset and watch how much more positive and empowered you feel in your daily life.