I'm thinking about the helpful insights that people can bring to help us better if we're willing to listen. It's true that receiving criticism can occasionally be difficult, and there may be occasions when we are reluctant or uncomfortable to hear it. Nonetheless, people who provide feedback—whether they be a peer, boss, or instructor—usually have insightful and useful opinions to give.
One challenge we may face is overcoming the fear of receiving feedback or the discomfort that comes with hearing difficult feedback. For example, when I was in college, I submitted a paper for a class assignment that I had worked quite hard on. However, my professor's feedback was really harsh. She pointed me several flaws in my arguments and proposed modifications. At first, I was disappointed and a little defensive. I had put a lot of effort into the paper, and it was disappointing to hear that it was not up to pace. Instead than lingering on those feelings, I resolved to approach the input with an open mind.
I carefully read through my professor's comments, taking note of each suggestion for improvement. Then I returned to my article and began editing, focusing on strengthening weak arguments and addressing the points she had brought out. In the end, while it wasn't easy to receive criticism, I found that the feedback was incredibly valuable. It helped me see my paper from a different perspective and ultimately make it stronger. It also showed me the value of accepting feedback and applying it to improve.
Overall, while feedback can be tough, it's a valuable tool for learning and growing. By staying open-minded and focusing on the lessons it offers, we can use feedback to become better at what we do.