The Creator and the Critic: An Unavoidable Dance

 The Creator and the Critic: An Unavoidable Dance

Where there is a creator, there is a critic. No artist, writer, or innovator is immune to judgment. In fact, the more famous the creator, the louder and more numerous the critics become.

Some creators, paralyzed by the fear of being judged, hide their work away. But those who are truly confident in their craft refuse to let critics silence them. I’ve been writing stories, articles, lyrics, and quotes on self-development and management for years. Initially, I hesitated to publish or share anything. The fear of criticism was real. But as I matured, I realized something essential: creativity is my right, and expressing it is my choice. So I decided to write and share anyway. That journey has now continued for over nine years. Fortunately, I haven’t encountered harsh critics—only well-wishers who offered thoughtful suggestions and corrections.

Once, I met a young man with a natural flair for writing. He was gifted, but he was terrified—of criticism, of rejection, of not being accepted. For a moment, I saw myself in his shoes. He was exactly where I used to be. But my experience didn’t stop me from advising him.

I said, "Listen, my young friend. Never mentally chain yourself with the fear of criticism. What you’ll eventually realize is this: criticism is an opportunity for continuous improvement. Remember, nothing truly great was ever born without being tested by critique."

I explained to him that there are four types of critics around us:

1. The Hater – Someone who knows you well but dislikes you for personal reasons—past conflicts, differences, or jealousy. They don’t criticize to help you grow. They do it out of spite. Ignore them. They aren’t worth a single word.

2. The Competitor – These people see you as a rival. They criticize you out of professional jealousy. But here’s the secret: the more they criticize, the more they expose their own insecurities and incompetence, not yours. Don’t take them too seriously, but don’t fully ignore them either. Be mindful, but don’t be shaken.

3. The Parrot (Third-Party Opinion) – These individuals haven’t even seen your work. They repeat what someone else said. Think of people who blindly follow a film critic and then parrot every word. Their opinion is hollow. Not worth lending your ears to.

4. The True Critic – This person is unbiased. They call a spade a spade. They praise good work and honestly point out flaws. They have subject knowledge and the competence to evaluate. These are the people you should listen to carefully. They are rare—treasure them.

Let’s not forget that great composers were once criticised. Today’s superstars were ridiculed yesterday. Nations once written off as hopeless now stand tall. Organizations like Nokia, once mocked for being unable to change, are now leading the race in 6G technology. The list goes on.

So, dear creator, focus on creating—not on being criticized. Let the critics do their job. You do yours.

M.L. Narendra Kumar