Pro Cheer Positivity: How Can You Learn to Receive Criticism and Grow from It?
Every professional cheerleader has experienced being critiqued at least once in their pro cheer life, whether during training, auditions, or a performance. But how you handle these criticisms can make or break you.
Without criticism, we cannot grow as professionals and persons. Criticisms allow us to know which part of our performance needs improvement. Once we know our imperfections, we can focus on refining our craft.
However, I understand when you say it's difficult to accept criticism, especially when you've trained hard and given your best. So here are tips to help you receive criticism gracefully and use it to achieve your full potential.
1. Determine the difference between constructive and destructive criticism.
First and foremost, you must learn the difference between constructive and destructive criticism. Both are feedback that points to our mistakes and flaws, but the goal of constructive criticism is to improve and learn from our mistakes, while the other aims to insult or embarrass.
Constructive criticism offers suggestions and potential solutions. It's specific, considerate, and straightforward. On the other hand, destructive criticism is often derogatory and sometimes mocking. It's vague, and the critics are usually ignorant. Learn to filter out the destructive criticisms and only accept those that will make you grow.
Read more: Why Is Self-Compassion Important and How Can You Practice It?
2. Pause before reacting.
There are times when one person is trying to give constructive criticism, but we immediately interpret it as offensive or destructive. Take a pause before you react. Are they trying to mock you? Do they know your circumstances? By being calm, you'll be able to check if they're mocking you. It's best to avoid those people, but if you're still conversing with them, stay calm and try not to react.
If you determine that people are giving you constructive opinions, staying calm is easier since you know that they're criticizing you to improve. So give your brain a few seconds to process the situation before you express your emotion.
3. Listen to understand — not respond.
Sometimes, we listen to other people in order to formulate a response against their criticism. However, we will not really understand what they're trying to say if we don't listen carefully. So let them finish speaking and take note of their suggestions. Then, repeat back what you've heard to avoid any miscommunication and to reassure them that you understand the feedback.
4. Ask questions.
When someone gives an evaluation, let them know that you want to take them seriously by asking questions. For example, you may say, "Thank you for your feedback. Do you have any suggestions on how I can improve?" You may set a follow-up meeting if you're not ready to ask questions immediately.
5. Remember that feedback is not personal.
We may feel that feedback is personal, but in professional cheerleading, constructive criticism is usually based on your role as a performer. Even if it's outside of your profession, remember that constructive criticism is given with your best interests at heart.
Read more: 5 Things That Hold You Back from Reaching Your Full Potential
Conclusion
Once you're alone, use that opportunity to reflect on your actions. Write it in a journal and plan ways to improve as a pro cheerleader. Remember that you control how you process criticisms, so take a more positive mindset.
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