Accepting criticism is not living on other people's opinions

There are two ways to waste a criticism. One is to shut down completely—"they have no idea"—and learn nothing. The other is to give every comment the power to ruin your day or change your course, whoever it comes from. Between the two there is a healthier path: listening without getting defensive and then calmly asking yourself which part is true. Who is telling me this? Do they know the facts? What exactly could I change? Whatever is true, make use of it, even if it was said badly. Whatever isn't, let it go without resentment. You don't need everyone's approval to be at peace, nor do you need to pretend nobody has anything to teach you.