Dear Friend,
How do you respond to criticism? Do you find yourself trying to justify your actions, even if you know you’re not entirely right?
Rabbi Shalom Dovber of Lubavitch (known as the Rebbe Rashab), whose yartzeit we observe this coming week, shared a most enlightening piece of advice: “Love criticism, for it will raise you up to true heights.”
It’s not enough not to respond with diffidence, a sour face, or resentment. We need to value honest reproach and even love it. Why? Because self-love often prevents us from seeing ourselves objectively. Some constructive criticism is often just what we need to recognize where we really are and help us see how we can improve.
Now obviously, if you are the one giving the criticism, you need to think long and hard about why and how you speak. But when criticism comes along, let’s be ready to take it in the right way.
Rabbi Mendy Kaminker
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team
P.S. How does criticism make you feel? Have you ever used it to spur growth? Please share a comment with us. We’d love to hear from you.
