Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos shared how to behave when someone says or writes something offensive about you.
First, understand that the only people who don’t get criticized are those who don’t show up. If you’re getting criticized, at least you’re in the game. “If you do anything remotely exciting, you’re going to get criticized,” Bezos says. “If you can’t handle that, don’t do anything exciting.”
Don’t get hung up on revenge, it’s not worth it.
Let’s say someone really did hurt you. But do you really want to waste your time on revenge? Better stop, take a deep breath and continue doing your job.
Even if the criticism was completely unfair, Bezos advises remembering the words of Confucius: “When you seek revenge, dig two graves, one for yourself.”
Don’t take everything to heart
The best way to protect yourself from criticism is to develop a thick skin. You can’t stop those who like to write nasty things anyway. Move on, they are not worth wasting your nerves on.
Bezos suggests this exercise for when someone has upset you. Stand at a street corner and watch the people passing by. Chances are, none of them are thinking about you.
Imagine what life would be like if no one could criticize you.
“One of the great things about our society is that we have cultural norms that allow people to say terrible things. No one is forcing you to invite them over, just let them talk,” Bezos advises.
