Constructive Criticism
Let’s talk about feedback. The kind that stings a little. The kind that stops you mid-scroll. The kind that sometimes makes you question whether you should keep putting yourself out there at all.
Yeah... that kind.
I’ve had my fair share over the years — from kitchens and campsites to tarmacs and topographical maps — and I’ve learned one thing:
Criticism isn’t always the enemy. But how we respond to it can be.
Early on, I worked in a casino kitchen as a prep-cook. I was passionate about food, had ideas, and may have jumped the gun trying to introduce some of my own recipes. The head chef didn’t take kindly to it. I got pulled aside and handed the classic line:
“If you can’t handle the heat, get out of the kitchen.”
I didn’t stay long — but I still remember that moment. Not because of the sting, but because it taught me to take feedback with a grain of salt. Sometimes it’s ego, sometimes it’s timing, and sometimes it’s a lesson in disguise.
Another time, I was working with my uncle on ag planes — first out-of-town GPS install gig. He looked at me before we left and said:
“Sink or swim time.”
No hand-holding. No sugar-coating. Just an opportunity. I swam.
Then there was a surveying job where I completed a 12km project. The power company wasn’t thrilled — they practically ran my name through the mud. But my boss? He stood by me. Not only that, he gave me a raise. Why? Because while my results were off by their system's standard, it was only 3cm. The issue? Their software didn’t translate the math the same way. Three centimeters in the survey world isn’t worth panic. Three feet? Sure. But context matters.
That’s what constructive criticism really is. Context.
It’s easy to get defensive, especially when we know we’ve poured real energy into something. I’ve been there. Recently, in fact. But here’s what I’ve come to believe:
- Not all feedback is an attack.
- Not every comment needs a counter.
- And sometimes, growth comes from shutting up, stepping back, and looking at things from the outside.
Constructive criticism, when done right, should challenge you without crushing you.
It’s not meant to silence your voice — just sharpen it.
So here’s my question to you:
What’s the best (or worst) piece of criticism you’ve ever received?
Did it make you stronger, or shut you down for a while? And how do you decide what’s worth listening to and what’s worth brushing off?
Drop your thoughts below — I’m curious where others land on this one.
Recent Comments
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Jeremy, you got me started. I apologize in advance. But we were both in on the "feedback" loop for this one. And we both agreed.
Iron Sharpens Iron. I have been on both the receiving end and the giving end of sharp criticism. A post that I thought was marvelously put together was torn to shreds by one of our OGs.
Everything from color to text, to font, to dare I say logo, and style, was off base. It was a pin jab at an overinflated balloon. It wasn't personal. I didn't take it that way.
Today, Setting Points is an outgrowth of the feedback that I received. Everything about it changed that weekend, except the logo. I am an Aries. My birthday was last Sunday. There are some things I just won't consider.
Go to Bing, Setting Points is either #1 or #2 in the rankings right in front of setting points on your car. Google prefers to rank my Tagline, How to Master Niche Blogging for Retirement, where the top results lead to my content.
This would not have been the case if I had not listened to the OG.
I am living proof that this community knows how to be successful.
In turn, I write about what has succeeded with my site. So many times, when I burst your bubble, I will usually back it up with a "Why". Professional websites have the Privacy Policy and Affiliate pages in the bottom menu. Never give those 2 pages prime real estate on your website.
Use Images and Headers liberally. This is a good time to go back and look at Old School vs. New School Another one of those posts! - Old School vs. New School Your About Me page should start with What You Do, Not Who You Are.
Who you are should SUPPORT what you do. People only want to know your name if you can back up what you say you do. Not the other way around.
I am in the process of testing the Home Page Theory.
Do people prefer the What I do static landing page or the evolving Blog Roll?
What does Google prefer?
I do have that question posted on our feedback loop. Bust my bubble.
Even the Boomer Blogger in me gets set in his ways. You want my attention? Hit me upside the head with a 2x4!
Hah! Thanks Don! Great advice, and I really appreciate you sharing your story. It’s proof that honest feedback, even when it stings a little, can lead to real results.
Funny enough, I worked at a lumber yard for 7 years before they fired me (unwillingly, of course). So when you mentioned getting hit with a 2x4 to get your attention... let’s just say I’ve swung a few of those myself! Though probably not with the kind of constructive intent you’re talking about! :)
Thanks again for the laugh—and the wisdom. This is the kind of stuff that keeps this platform real.
Yes! Been there, done that, the kind that stings. Not all feedback is an attack, I've been told several times to do this OR that a certain way, but if I'm set in my own way of doing something, I will stick to it, Thanks, JD
Hey Jeremy. I agree with you. I think I'd say that feedback, whether good or bad, constructive or destructive, doesn't define us; we are defined by how we react to it.
;-)
Richard
Yeah, I’ve felt that sting more than a few times. Especially when you’ve put your heart into something and someone cuts it down without even blinking. Took me a while to figure out how to sit with it, sort through what’s helpful and what’s just noise.
I’ve learned not to take every shot personally. Some folks are just speaking from their own limits. But when the feedback comes from someone who’s been through the fire themselves, I pay closer attention. That kind of input can push you further if you let it.
Appreciate you putting this out there. It’s real. And it’s something more of us should talk about.
Shawn
Appreciate it. I agree with real. And I agree with how you respond and not take it personally, something I learned in sharing this post!
Appreciate you sharing this. Real words like that bring us back to something solid , like an honest handshake and a person’s word meaning something.
Shawn
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Hey Jeremy great post! Yeah I've been there, where your stomach sinks, and think 'what the h.....!' but if it comes from much more experienced person, whose been there, done that and worn the T/shirt etc, then take it on the chin and allow it, they would see it from the outside, not judge but offer worth listening to criticism, and go with tweaking things, to improve!
I recently asked Chat GPT for advice on helping improve my content, and was it the right thing to do, I don't know now, and address all the red flags, lined up by SEO for adding a focus keyphrase, it's not here, or there????
What was I thinking! I went with change, updating what I could and reduced reds to green, but how many times did I have to make changes
I added focus keyphrase where it suggests, but hey SEO still not accepting it wanting more!
So how fustrating, annoying and time consuming!!! Well I daren't touch permalink, but changed posts title, a bit of a screw up, at least Google will see I have addressed many issues, I hope lol 🙆
Apparently don't touch permalink if time has passed, or go with 301 reset, but social media has seen original title, so I can't update permalink.
Thanks for sharing your story, and 'Chin up' 👍...and if at first you don't succeed try, try again!.....and I am still on it! 🤔🤦
Julia,
You would be amazed at what a simple question to ChatGPT or your favorite bot can do for your post. I have been using Grok a lot lately.
Before I hit "Publish," I always ask my VA of the day this simple question.
“Is this post optimized for the keyword phrase [TITLE]? If so, simply say that it is ok. If not, make it optimized with MINIMAL rewriting. Put your changes in bold. Here is the final draft... "
MrDon
The Amazing Niche Master
Great suggestion!