Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Bodybuilding: Effective Ways To Handling Criticism

It's important to set the way we'll respond to different critics throughout the journey of achieving our personal and bodybuilding goals. As are other areas of life, Bodybuilding is a sport of opinion. When we step on that stage, or conduct our daily business, whether with associates or judges, it's our relationships with these people, and their opinions and impressions that will determine our personal and bodybuilding successes and victories.

The more dedicated you are to your bodybuilding goals, the easier it will be to show the judges your best physique. The greater your ability in controlling and handling daily communication, the more successful you will become with people and in personal endeavors.

Yet at various instances, opinions, that we may not necessarily condone and desire to receive will come through from other people.

The levels of our flexibility in handling outside feedback will greatly determine the impressions that others hold toward us, the way we view ourselves, and the results of our goals. You see, the way we respond to events reflects whom we are within.

Thus, by developing the ability to positively respond to events and changes that occur in our life, and respond to them in a constructive matter will greatly enhance the quality of our actions, create positive impressions about who we are for ourselves and others, and enable us to rise to higher levels of quality and results.

I believe there are three forms of opinions. More precisely, there are three roots from which they manifest. Criticism is a way of justifying one's own weaknesses. First are the people who are jealous and will criticize your achievements to lower you to their level, thus making themselves feel better. Those people usually accompany words like "can't", "impossible", "I don't have time", and so forth.

Steer clear, by nodding your head with disguised agreement, as anything further would be just a waste of time.

A second scenario would involve an advice that is in our control to determine whether it is perceived as offensive or constructive. For example, if a gym member or someone with more experience and knowledge, comments that your legs are small, avoid get offended by shouting back "Huh, do you know how hard I blast my legs, they are not small at all". This automatic response is perfectly fine, due to the desire to avoid negative feedback, also since we don't like to be put down. Even if we know what's stated is right. Especially when there's hard work involved.

Yet I believe there's always room for growth. Always. So welcoming these types of suggestions could be even beneficial to help us excel and achieve greater results. So the next time some one criticizes your legs, say "Thanks!", and make a note to use that as an advantages on your next leg workout.

A third opinion is a compliment. Use the compliment to appreciate your achievements, and enjoy the ride along your journey. Often times we don't appreciate our efforts enough, and what we have achieved. Yet at the same time, avoid letting that compliment put you in ease. Continue striving for your goals, with full dedication and persistence, and you'll achieve what you set out to do.

And remember, Be patient. Build it, and it will come.