Buzz
Our brains are designed to give more weight to potential dangers than to ordinary daily experiences. While this is an evolutionary advantage for survival, it also makes us overly sensitive to negative feedback or criticism. If a single hurtful comment has ever overshadowed your day, you'll understand exactly what I mean.
Psychologist Dr. Marlo Archer sheds light on how we tend to overlook the countless neutral or positive remarks we encounter throughout the day. Phrases like, "That’s so funny," "How are you feeling?" or even "Here are the TPS reports," often go unnoticed, despite being positive.
However, when one negative comment comes our way (such as, "That’s a foolish idea" or "You need a haircut"), it sticks with us for the rest of the day, sometimes even making us question ourselves because we perceive that negativity as a threat.
Dr. Archer suggests the remedy is simple: shift your perspective.
Embrace the positives and use them to counterbalance the negative. Consider negative feedback with a clear mind. Assess whether it holds any real value and if it's more about the person offering it than about you. If it turns out to be inconsequential, simply let it go and move forward.
If you’re simply encountering a negative person, you’ll need to decide if their advice is worth your attention. While it’s possible the criticism holds some truth and requires change, it’s likely not as severe as it appears. Tackle what needs improvement, but don’t overlook the praise and positive comments you’ve also received.
Photo by andrey_l (Shutterstock)
