Criticisms that hurt - Chis Williamson
It’s common wisdom to say “the only criticisms that hurt are the ones that are true.”
I don’t think that’s right.
The criticisms that hurt most are the ones that you know aren’t true, but that other people might believe.
The only thing worse than having your reputation damaged for something shameful you did is having it damaged for something shameful you didn’t do.
That’s wrongful conviction.
You have to carry the weight of the accusation alongside the indignation of being innocent. You’re not just hurt. You’re trapped.
In theory, it’s a wonderful idea to ignore the opinions of people who misjudge you.
If they don’t understand your message, why bother correcting them?
Why listen to people who don’t like you, don’t understand what you’re trying to do, don’t have your best interests at heart, and actively enjoy being malicious, bad-faith, or stupid?
Well… because sometimes they’re loud.
And sometimes other people hear them.
And sometimes those other people believe them.
The most accurate opinion of someone rarely defines them, the most viral one does.
So of course you feel enraged.
That reaction isn’t fragility.
It’s a rational response to the fear of being misrepresented in public.