People with momentum all share one trait; they attract criticism. How you respond to that criticism will determine the rate of your momentum. I was reading a cover story about Billy Graham in Time magazine recently and was surprised to find in that article several criticisms of him from fellow ministers. I was reminded of this fact: all great people get great criticism. Learn to accept and expect the unjust criticisms for your great goals and accomplishments.
It can be beneficial to receive constructive criticism from those who have your best interests at heart, but you’re not responsible to respond to those who don’t. Don’t ever give time to a critic; instead, invest it with a friend. I like what Edward Gibbon said: “I never make the mistake of arguing with people for whose opinions I have no respect.”
It’s a thousand times easier to criticize than create. That’s why critics are never problem solvers. “Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain, and most do” (Dale Carnegie). My feeling is that the person who says it cannot be done, should not interrupt the one who is doing it. Just remember, when you are kicked from behind, it means you are out in front.
Critics know the answers without having probed deep enough to know the questions. The critic is convinced that the chief purpose of sunshine is to cast shadows. He doesn’t believe anything, but he still wants you to believe him. Like a cynic, he always knows the “price of everything and the value of nothing” (Oscar Wilde). Don’t waste time responding to your critics, because you owe nothing to a critic.
Don’t belittle – be big; don’t become a critic. “We have no more right to put our discordant states of mind into the lives of those around us and rob them of their sunshine and brightness that we have to enter their houses and steal their silverware” (Julia Seton). In criticizing others, remember that you will work overtime for no pay.
Never throw mud. If you do, you may hit your mark, but you will have dirty hands. Don’t be a cloud because you failed to become a star. Instead, “Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others” (Optimist Creed). Spend your time and energy creating, not criticizing.
Excerpt permission granted by Insight Publishing Group
John Mason is an international bestselling author, minister, publisher, executive author coach, and noted speaker. He’s the founder and president of Insight International and Insight Publishing Group. Both organizations are dedicated to helping people reach their dreams and fulfill their God-given destinies.
He has authored thirty-two books including An Enemy Called Average, You’re Born An Original—Don’t Die A Copy, Let Go of Whatever Makes You Stop, and Know Your Limits Then Ignore Them which have sold over 2 million copies and are translated into 40 different languages throughout the world. His books are widely regarded as a source of godly wisdom, scriptural motivation, and practical principles. His writings have been published twice in Reader’s Digest along with numerous other national and international publications. Seven of his books have reached number one on Amazon bestseller lists.
He’s been the president of two Christian publishing companies. He’s also a former Vice President and Publisher for Thomas Nelson Publishers (Harper Collins), the 6th largest book publisher in the world and largest Christian publisher.
He’s an internationally recognized executive author coach, helping numerous prominent authors with their books for more than thirty years. Politicians, NBA, NFL, PGA, MLB, an Olympic gold medalist and other professional athletes, billionaires, businesspeople, pastors, ministers, New York Times bestselling authors, a Fortune 500 CEO, Navy SEALs, Top Gun pilots, and a Texas governor have all benefitted from his knowledge.
Known for his quick wit, powerful thoughts, and insightful ideas, he is a popular speaker across the US and around the world.