## Overview
Criticism feels personal because the brain treats it as a threat. Most useful feedback is about the work, not the person.
## Three Quick Checks
1. Is this about the work or about me?
2. Is the source credible for this topic?
3. What single usable point exists here?
## Practical Response
– Pause before replying.
– Ask one clarifying question if needed: “Which part specifically?”
– Write down the usable point.
– Decide later whether any change is worth making.
## What to Avoid
– Defending yourself immediately.
– Treating every opinion as equal.
– Changing everything based on one comment.
## Simple Rule
Take the useful part. Leave the rest.
You do not have to accept every opinion to stay open to improvement.
