Hate Getting Criticized? Watch This
May 08, 2025How to Stop Letting Criticism Control You
“Most people aren’t hiding because they’re shy. They’re hiding because they’re afraid of being judged.”
— Dr. Aziz
Do you hold back your opinion, silence your ideas, or avoid attention… just to dodge one thing?
Criticism.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a high-achiever, a people-pleaser, or someone who “shouldn’t care what others think.”
Criticism stings — not just because of what’s said, but because of what it seems to mean.
“If they’re upset with me… maybe I am a bad person. Maybe I did mess up. Maybe I really am too much or not enough.”
If that fear keeps you small, this post — and this one question — might just change everything.
Why Criticism Hurts So Much
You’ve been told not to “take things personally,” but what does that actually mean?
Here’s the truth:
Criticism doesn’t hurt because of what someone else says. It hurts because of what you do with it inside.
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You accept it without a filter.
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You assume they must be right.
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You replay it for days, believing you were “too much,” “not enough,” or “in the wrong.”
That’s why the fear of criticism can run your life.
It’s why we over-apologize, overthink, and overshrink.
But here’s the good news: you can take your power back.
The One Question That Changes Everything
Instead of treating all criticism as truth, start asking:
“Is this useful — or is this just noise?”
That’s your filter. That’s your freedom.
Because some feedback is helpful. Maybe you missed a deadline. Maybe you overcommitted. Great. Own it. Learn. Grow.
But most criticism?
It’s someone projecting their own expectations, mood, or pain onto you.
“You let me down.”
“You should’ve done more.”
“You’re too direct / too sensitive / too much / not enough…”
You can take what’s useful…
And leave the rest.
One of my favorite phrases when I hear criticism that doesn’t belong to me?
“I don’t know about all that.”
Try saying it to yourself next time.
Feel the weight lift. Feel your power return.
Be You, Even If They Don’t Approve
The real damage of criticism isn’t the words — it’s the shrinking.
The self-doubt.
The hiding.
And if you live your life to avoid all criticism?
You’ll have to live a very small life.
But you weren’t born to shrink.
You were born to speak, shine, lead — and be fully you.
So the next time you feel afraid to share your truth, take the risk anyway.
Say what needs to be said.
Stand in who you are.
If criticism comes?
Use your filter.
Take the gold. Leave the garbage.
And move boldly forward.
You don’t need to fear disapproval anymore. You just need the tools to stay grounded in who you are.
Want more support like this? Check out the free trainings at DrAziz.com — and remember:
You’re allowed to be full of yourself. Because you are enough.
Reading blogs and watching videos online is a start...
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