How to Handle Criticism. Confidence Strategies for Introverts Who Want to Lead With Boldness

Do you struggle with knowing how to handle criticism without letting it take over your mind?

Maybe one person said something harsh, and even though other people encouraged you, that one comment stayed with you.

In this episode, we’re talking about how to handle criticism without giving every negative voice a seat at the table. We’re reflecting on chapter 18 of The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman, called Don’t Give Your Critic Words, and looking at how to decide which voices deserve our attention and which ones need to be released.

Criticism is tricky because not all critics are the same.

In this episode, I talk about why we can hear a thousand kind words and still focus on the one negative thing someone said.

Why does that happen?

Why do we replay the hurtful words?

Why do we rehearse our defensive response?

Why do we let one person’s opinion have so much power over our hearts?

For many of us, the issue is not just the criticism itself.

The issue is our confidence.

Our identity.

The way we see ourselves.

When we are not rooted in who we are, critical words can shake us more deeply than they should.

They can make us question our value, our work, our calling, and our ability to keep going.

But when we are rooted in God, we can learn to listen differently.

This episode is especially for the introvert, dreamer, creator, or purpose-driven person who feels deeply affected by the words of others.

Maybe you are building something.

Maybe you are using your voice in a new way.

Maybe you are trying to step out in faith, but the fear of being judged keeps pulling you back.

I want you to know this: not every opinion deserves your energy.

Not every critic deserves your response.

Not every negative word deserves space in your heart.

Sometimes the next right thing is to draw a line in the sand and decide what you will believe.

You may not be able to stop people from speaking.

You may not be able to go back and change what someone said.

But you can decide whether those words get to shape your identity.

You can decide whose voice gets to lead.

And you can ask Jesus to help you catch yourself when you start repeating negative words that were never rooted in truth.

Learning how to handle criticism is not about becoming hard or unbothered.

It is about becoming rooted.

It is about knowing who you are.

It is about trusting God’s voice more than the voice of the critic.

Send me an email and tell me: what critical voice do you need to stop giving power to?

Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement after harsh words.

Thanks for being here! If you'd like to support the show, please visit buymeacoffee.com/remiroy to give a one-time or monthly gift. 

And if you can’t give financially right now? A rating, a review, or simply sharing the show with a friend goes such a long way.

Thank you for being here. I see you. I appreciate you.