Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Praise more, criticize less, enjoy life


It’s easy to say that we welcome “constructive” criticism, but I do not think anyone, including me, loves criticism.
Benjamin Franklin was right: “Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do.”
In my school, teachers were stingy in praise and lavish in criticism. I was failing and repeatedly discouraged until my English teacher started praising me for quick answers. Her encouragement boosted my confidence so much that I could later handle the front page of India’s leading newspaper for years.
Some are born to complain. You must have heard the story of a sailor who was attending a party hosted by a rich family. He saw a baby drowning in the pond and rushed to rescue the child. He emerged with the baby and was happy to see people cheering him. The child’s mother came running. Dreaming of a reward, he thrust the baby in her hands smiling. “Tell me, where’s my baby’s expensive hat?” was all that the woman asked. (I think this was Churchill’s favorite story).
“You bloggers just pat each other. Nonsense,” complained my friend.
Nonsense? We motivate each other and we are stronger. You keep criticizing, brother, and make hell on earth. We are happy. If it pains you, go take a walk.

22 comments:

  1. We motivate each other and we are stronger :)

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  2. some pple love finding faults in others and it is their fav past time! Such morons deserve a flying kick!

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  3. I have heard that one before, that we bloggers just keep telling each-other 'great picture.' I agree they should take a hike and they might lose weight in the process too :D

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  4. Unless we get encouragement we won't continue writing. Yes, some are very good, some are good and some are average. Because of the encouragement all of us give each other, we are still here. Thank you, Ramesh.

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  5. For a good job done praise is always welcome, for a bad job done praise is always MORE than welcome. :)

    Hey, I think I should flatter your blog more often! It's flat rejecting my comments. :(

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  6. Motivation is indeed a strong aspect of blogging! And the story is awesome!

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  7. I know the comments have kept me going for sure ! In today's busy and nonchalant world out there, I'm thankful for a virtual alternative :)

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  8. I like it that your posts are crisp, clear and concise. Another excellent message, thank you.

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  9. Agree Ramesh! Stingy with praise and generous with criticism does not bring the best results:)

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  10. I needed to read this RIGHT NOW , as always simple, short and well written post sir ji

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  11. I needed to read/hear this RIGHT NOW. As always simple,short and well written post Sir ji !!

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  12. Absolutely, motivation is good. My only contention is that it must be genuine. And, oops my latest post is a huge rant! Are you going to chide me? :)

    http://rachnaparmar.com

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  13. very true .. what will they know .. I look forward to the comments whatever they are .. and those who dont like it I make sure to write better ..

    be genuine is what i ask thats all

    Bikram's

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  14. totally agree with you Ramesh thambi! :)
    being positive and appreciating/encouraging/motivating other is the best thing anybody can do...your post reminded me of a quote -
    "appreciate in public, criticize in private".
    you are right, its difficult to accept criticism(even if it is constructive) but i think that is equally important...
    but again, striking a balance between the two is the key!
    Btw, i was laughing loud after reading the story...hahaha...was imagining the expression of the sailor for the mother's response!

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  15. This puts me in mind of my nana who always use to say if you can't think of anything positive to say stop and think if you really need to say anything at all.

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    Replies
    1. Such a good post and I especially liked what Petty Witter mentioned here. It's been my policy in life too - if you've not got anything good to say, think if you need to say anything at all. Good advice. I'll take that walk, Ramesh Ji to burn off some calories:)

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  16. As I tell my MIL, if we start seeing only the ngatives in a person then nothing else is visible to us!

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  17. That's for sure..a little praise and few good words give you a lot of motivation.

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  18. So true ,no body likes any kind of criticism . We are always so ready to give our never ending advices but when it comes to taking that we are not always ready :|

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