Criticism:
Blame game—the easiest game!

To avoid criticism; do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.
- Elbert Hubbard

One day a few frogs decided to have a racing competition to reach the top of a mountain. On the day of the race, there were more onlookers (criticizers!) than participants. Onlookers wanted to see how these little frogs could dream to reach the top of the mountain. As the race started, three frogs just could not run and started lamenting (much to the interest of onlookers) and dropped out.

After a few minutes, four other frogs started fighting with each other allowing other competitors not to go ahead and then dropped. They started blaming each other for stopping their way to success. The onlookers were extremely happy to see them fighting. A few meters away, two frogs thought, why make such an effort? We are happy whereever we are. Are we going to gain a lot if we reach the top of the mountain?

The onlookers were on the top of the world (…mountain!) when they saw a few more frogs dropping off the race. They did not miss any words to make frogs realize that it is not good to take big dreams.

One frog carried on and on and reached the top of the mountain (much to the surprise of both frog competitors and onlookers). They commented that he must have some pull, or push or he must be under the influence of alcohol or steroids!

After the race finished, the onlookers coaxed the frog competitors to call a meeting to find out why they could not reach the top and why only one frog could; All frogs had many excuses. When the lone successful frog was asked many times by the frogs and onlookers, he kept smiling. He didn't give any answer because…he was DEAF (deaf to the criticism!!!).

Is the criticism bash or boost? Is it possible to convert criticism into positive energy? No one enjoys being criticized. Yet if we want to succeed, we have got to overcome all our natural instincts and actively seek out feedback, good and bad. One should always respond and never react!.

If we can treat criticism or complaints as gifts or embrace and value criticism, we can do more favour to ourselves than to others. One should separate intent from content. If we have armed ourselves with a positive attitude towards criticism, our enemies can be our best friends.

He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper.
- Edmund Burke; Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790)

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