Criticize Less, Appreciate More

” You don’t have the stomach to fight for what you want.”

“How could you let this mistake pass in the document. You are not paying attention to details.”

“You are not working hard enough. You need to put in more discretionary effort at work.”

“You should not have allowed that man to break the queue and let him come in front of you. Assert yourself”

“The food here is so bad. You are always making the wrong choices.”

There have been numerous occasions where I have been guilty of criticizing people-family, colleagues, friends- around me based on perceived faults and mistakes.

As I have grown older, I have realized this. If I have the right to criticize anyone when they do something that I perceive to be wrong or faulty, then I should also have the grace to appreciate every time I see anyone doing something good or right.

Unfortunately, despite my best efforts, I struggle with this.

It’s a natural human tendency. Thanks to our lizard brain, we are naturally wired to look at the negatives more than the positives. We criticize more than we appreciate. I have gotten better over time, but I know I have a long way to go yet. Nowadays, I start my day with a simple intention. Look to criticize less and appreciate more.

If I am smart enough to criticize, then I should be graceful enough to appreciate more.