S2 E5 - How to Stop Taking Criticism So Personally
How to Stop Taking Criticism So Personally
This episode is for you if:
You feel attacked, not helped, when someone offers feedback. You replay conversations in your head, wondering what they really meant, and often take things to heart until you’re stuck in self-doubt. You want to grow, but criticism makes you feel like a failure. Whether it’s in work, relationships or adjusting to a new culture, feedback can feel overwhelming. You’ve probably been told to “not take it personally,” but no one ever explained how.
What we cover:
🔹 Why criticism stings How your brain reacts to feedback as if it’s a threat — and why that’s completely normal.
🔹 The science of feedback and the nervous system What happens in your body when someone critiques you, and how to calm that inner alarm so you can actually hear what’s being said.
🔹 When feedback feels like an identity crisis Why it’s so hard to separate “what I did” from “who I am” — and how to start shifting that perspective.
🔹 Practical tips you can try immediately From pausing before reacting, to spotting the golden insight in awkward advice, we walk through small, powerful ways to build emotional resilience.
Questions to ask yourself this week:
What story do you tell yourself when someone gives you feedback?
Can you separate the feedback from your identity?
What helps you stay grounded when your emotions take over?