The post was originally published in Polish on Szymon’s LinkedIn profile. Szymon kindly agreed to republish what we think is of great value to our readers.
When I first started putting out my content, I had a problem with criticism. I simply took it too personally. The personal treatment, in turn, made me feel like discussing every unfavorable comment. Everything changed when I realized that it’s an indispensable element of creation. Moreover, it can become a driving force for progress.
Szymon Janiak, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Czysta3.VC
I’ve already written many times about how I got depreciated for so many things that I am not able to count it now. The problems included:
- My views are different—one of us is stupid;
- How I do business—because others earn more, so whatever I say doesn’t make sense;
- How I look and how I dress—because I should be a more serious;
- Because I often appear in the media—so I have to take care of how the camera sees me.
And what I like the most about it is my memories. My experiences are so unlikely that some people consider them fiction. Well,even if it wasn’t exactly the way I remember it, it certainly was for me 🙂
Sounds brutal? And indeed it is. Criticism, hate, and other ‘pleasures’ are an inseparable part of publishing, just like failures accompany business development. One doesn’t exist without the other, so it cannot be avoided. The problem arises when we focus only on the negative and allow it to paralyze us.
From my point of view: what can one do to make criticism your ally?
- Accept that you can’t please everyone. Every thesis can be undermined, every opinion – this is a natural element of the discussion. The clearer your opinion, the greater the chance of polarization. It is worth accepting that criticism is an opportunity for reflection.
- Keep your distance. Accept feedback, analyze it, but don’t let negative comments define your value. When attacks become personal, react firmly – delete or block comments that cross the boundaries of healthy discussion.
- Draw conclusions. Every comment, even the critical one, is an opportunity for development. Instead of fighting for the last sentence, try to understand what you can improve. Every critical remark, given in a constructive way, can become the foundation for your next post, a better strategy or an innovative idea.
- Use criticism as fuel for action. Don’t let hate discourage you. Remember that even the greatest figures – whom we know and admire today – were once criticized. Your authenticity and courage to speak your mind is the power that attracts the right audience.
My journey on LinkedIn has taught me that criticism is not the enemy–it’s a tool that, if you learn how to use it, can take your content to the next level.
Personally, I really like the maxim in this regard: “Don’t concern yourself with criticizing a person you wouldn’t go to for advice.”
And how do you approach criticism?
The comment section answers:
On the one hand, if there is criticism on your profile – how else do you actually expect people to react? And although the advice is very important and useful, I think that a lot of time must pass before a person learns it. On the other hand, constructive criticism can lead to thinking, but hate? I have the impression that this is a completely different experience.
– Karolina Kuś, Owner at IMPOSSIBLE EVENTS
You just have to have the COURAGE to do what you think is right or necessary, taking into account unfavorable reactions and even accepting them in advance as part of the process.
No pain, no gain.
No guts – no glory.
– Dr Miroslaw Jan Lubecki, Managing Partner at ISG International Service Group
Szymon Janiak is an investor and a business-driven Managing Director at czysta3.vc, a Venture Capital fund located in Poland. He has over 10 years of experience in the technology sector. Szymon is also a Member of the Supervisory Board at stockbroker Grupa Trinity S.A.
