A lot of times you come across things and activities that attract you almost instantly. You haven't done any of them ever before but at least you wish and intend to try. And the willingness to try itself is something that works as the best motivation. To top it all, what more would you ask for, if your loved ones come forth and believe in you and want to support you in your little endeavour? That is like a perfect moment. And you’re rising towards the Cloud Nine already? Hell yes!
The cherries on the cake (to accompany the support and belief in you and your talent) are a few words of appreciation by your loved one. It sure would make the cake look and taste yummier.
Moving further, I would like to highlight a known fact that a human mind is demanding and is possessed with greed; the greed to be recognised, greed to be mentioned about and praised - a tendency that comes naturally to us humans. Of course, when you do something unique and different from the usual, you want it to be noticed. That is when you turn your 'greed streak' on. You wish to be praised and liked for what you have done. It comes out as a natural instinct because of your belief in the activity.
There's this thing about praise and criticism that when you come across any, you just can't seem to get over it. When you're praised, and praised by a loved one or someone you like, it makes you happy. You feel as if you're on top of the world. There seems to be nothing better than that mere feeling and it is highly satisfying. You try and maintain the thing you're praised for because you understand that you're good at it and eventually will be liked for it. So you grow that thing into perfection.
Criticism too comes with its share of reactions. The moment you face criticism for a thing that you do, you feel shattered and let down. All your excitement and hard work that you’ve put in, seems to go in vain. It especially affects you and the feeling begins to grow on you when it comes from someone you love and admire. But if thought practically, it's for you to understand that critiquing helps one try again, just so that you push yourself to do better. Better to the extent where you drive yourself towards the level of excellence and eventually be praised for.
For me the best example to quote here is that of my mother. She's been an inspiration to many in the past and still continues to be one. While being a business woman, she has known the art of being a perfect wife, mother, daughter and a homemaker. She loves to cook, has immense passion to learn and try new cuisines whenever time permits. She does it amazingly well and has been fortunate enough to earn praises time and again. And it’s her sheer conviction towards the art that she manages to bring just the right taste and flavour in anything new and different that she prepares.
Even if she fails to some extent (which rarely happens) to bring the right tinge the first time and if she's told (or she herself realises) what went missing, she will still make it the next time, keeping a track of everything that she adds (and in right quantities) to the dish. I have never seen her giving up easily. She has always managed to correct and fill the little gaps while happily moving towards the path of perfection.
Therefore, I believe, one must never give up on things they like doing. Yes, praise and criticism do play a very important part in shaping one’s personality. But it’s essential to understand the difference between a genuine and a pseudo praise and/or criticism. Praise and criticism can be productive and/or constructive or destructive depending upon two things: first, the right mindset, and second, the right skills. As far as mindset is concerned, intention is everything. One must identify the intention behind the praise or criticism. Is the praise intended to support and motivate you and highlight skills and behaviour you can build upon further? Is the criticism intended to provide an objective basis on which you can plan to improve for future purposes? Or is it just the opposite? Too often the ones jealous and insecure will take the route of critiquing with an intention to bog you down. Whereas the ones who truly love and care for you, even while criticizing you, will never leave your side and continue to boost your morale.
So, get the intention right and remember to think through what someone is really trying to achieve in giving the praise or criticism. With that thought, never stop dreaming and letting your passion die within you. Let it come out and be seen. Shine on!
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