Maintaining Balance

Some people respond well to criticism and correction. Others seem to react better to praise. While the perfect mix of praise and encouragement versus correction and criticism may vary from person to person, there should be a healthy balance of each. We all need both cheerleaders and critics.

Think of praise and criticism as opposing pedals on a bicycle. If one or the other is emphasized too heavily, the bike won’t maintain balance and will eventually crash. The balanced but opposing forces of each are what propel the bike forward.

You need the uplifting encouragement of the praise to keep you optimistic and positive. You need the correction of criticism to repair mistakes and keep you humble. Balance your bicycle. Search out both cheerleaders and critics who genuinely have your best interests at heart.

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