Criticism is a gift

Do you ever feel like you're the one everyone is staring at, pointing their fingers at you and yelling out at you all that you suck at? AHHH, nothing is worse!! I have worked in a preschool classroom for the past 10 years and the number one rule I have learned over the years is whenever talking to a parent about their child's day (particularly a rough day) you always start it off with positive stories about their child. What they excelled at, how they did so well at this point of the day, etc. Nobody wants to be approached with all this negative crap the second they walk in the door.

It doesn't matter what you do or who you are. Be it a preschool teacher, CrossFit athlete, stay at home mom, CEO of a company, fashion designer, deep sea fisherman, you fill in the blank - ain't nobody (great grammar, I know) want to hear all day: "You could've done this better," "Next time do it this way," "By the way, you forgot about that," "That is just awful." BLAH, BLAH, BLAH! You want to be appreciated for the times that you did give it your all.

I get it, there is a time and place for constructive criticism in all aspects of life. My coaches at CrossFit Artis are A-MA-ZING at giving constructive criticism. Criticism that corrects and makes you stronger, more efficient and actually makes you want to do better! Since joining CFA my husband was the first to say that one of my coaches, Jon Day, is great at teaching because he doesn't make you feel like a fool. And all us CrossFitters know how ridiculous we all felt the first time we went through snatch progressions! AHHH, get me out of here! Sometimes we totally mess it up and it's like we forget everything we've been taught. But Jon and Jen are gentle and patient with us. That's huge people! I've had a coach who in my first 8 weeks as a CrossFitter gave us a 2 minute into to the snatch and basically said "Have at it." Ummm, what? You do know this is the most difficult Olympic Lift, yeah?? Eesh.

We also have another couple in our life who are outstanding when it comes to constructive criticism. My husband and I went through a very rough patch in our marriage so since August when we renewed our vows we go and see our marriage mentors, Danny and Laurie from Calvary Chapel West Omaha, every other week. They have become like family to us. Us four have a very tight relationship and Brad and I know they want nothing else than to see us succeed in our marriage and as Christians. Knowing this we are able to easily take their adive and help. We do so because, even know at times it's hard to hear what we're doing incorrect, we know if we just tweek what we've known then it'll benefit us! That's what criticism is made to do. Motivate us to be bigger, better and stronger! Mentally, spiritually and physicially!
Criticism is an opportunity for us to grow. It shouldn't be done in a way that just makes us want to give up. I am by no means saying that all I want to hear is compliments. No way! I love criticism. I love to learn and grown and be a better person in every area of my life. We all do! Once again, that is why I am so thankful for my coaches and mentors in my life. I value their opinion because I know they love me and want me to succeed in life. So to Jon, Jen and Danny and Laurie - I appreciate you guys so much!

Appreciate someone today who is lovingly and patiently correcting you. Don't take it to heart, know they're only wanting to see a better version of you. And to all the jerks who have no clue how to give constructive critisism, just smile and move on. Sometimes there's no getting through to them.