How can I overcome setbacks and deal with criticism?

Answer From Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

There are no easy answers, but there are some tactics that might help.

  • Remind yourself that because someone says something doesn't make it true. J. K. Rowling, who wrote the "Harry Potter" series, was rejected by a number of agents before one asked to read it. She is now one of the highest-paid authors in the world.
  • Avoid letting the judgments and decisions of other people undercut your sense of well-being. Your peace of mind is a precious gift. Don't give it away.
  • Admit when you make a mistake or are at fault. Acknowledge your error, learn from it and then move on.
  • Keep things in perspective. In a year or two, will these events really matter? The answer is in all likelihood that they won't.

Aim to find a way to put setbacks behind you and move forward with grace, dignity and humility.

With

Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

Follow on Twitter: @EdwardCreagan

Jan. 26, 2018 See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. 3 simple strategies to help you focus and de-stress
  2. 3 ways to become more stress resilient
  3. 3 ways to learn patience and amp up your well-being
  4. 4 proven ways you can feel happier
  5. A Very Happy Brain
  6. Adapt to put stress in its place
  7. Anger management: Your questions answered
  8. Are your holidays a dietary free-for-all?
  9. Balancing work and life responsibilities
  10. Being assertive
  11. Bridge pose
  12. Can yoga help me keep caregiver stress in check?
  13. Caregiver stress
  14. Caregiver stress
  15. Cat/cow pose
  16. Chase away the winter blues
  17. Child's pose
  18. Cobra
  19. Control email to regain control of your life
  20. Coping with excess information
  21. Coping with job stress
  22. Destress with breathing
  23. Denial
  24. Downward-facing dog
  25. Dreading a family holiday gathering?
  26. Ease stress to reduce your psoriasis flares
  27. Feeling overwhelmed? Take a break
  28. Forgiveness
  29. Great expectations: How to keep them from creating unhappiness
  30. Have you had a good laugh today?
  31. Holidays don't have to break the bank
  32. How decluttering your space could make you healthier and happier
  33. How sharing kindness can make you healthier & happier
  34. How to focus on the present for long-term progress
  35. Job burnout
  36. Job satisfaction
  37. Laugh more, stress less
  38. Learn to reduce stress through mindful living
  39. Learn to say no and enjoy the holidays
  40. Lifestyle strategies for pain management
  41. Manage stress through problem-solving
  42. Manage stress to improve psoriatic arthritis symptoms
  43. Mountain pose
  44. Need better work-life balance?
  45. Stress-relief tips
  46. New School Anxiety
  47. Perfect holiday? Forget about it!
  48. Pet therapy
  49. Positive thinking
  50. Problem-solving
  51. Resilience
  52. Say no, to say yes to less stress
  53. Seated spinal twist
  54. Slide show: Yoga poses
  55. Social support: Tap this tool to beat stress
  56. Spirituality and stress relief
  57. Standing forward bend
  58. Stress and technology
  59. Holiday stress
  60. Prevent stress setbacks
  61. Stress relief from laughter
  62. How to say no
  63. Stress relievers
  64. Stressed out? Skip the late show
  65. Stressed? Set yourself up for success
  66. Support groups
  67. The power of positive thinking
  68. Tired of feeling hassled? Try these tips
  69. To manage anxiety, start with the way you think
  70. Use the 80/20 rule to manage time and reduce stress
  71. Warrior 1
  72. What is hot yoga?
  73. What is reflexology?
  74. Why aromatherapy is showing up in hospital surgical units
  75. Work-life balance