Boos Don't Block Dunks

• 💡 Wisdom

• ✏️ Illustration

• 💬 Saying

• 🧭 Explanation

• 📝 Reflection

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

When you experience hurtful remarks, you have a choice: double-down or give-up.

Just remember:

Boos don’t block dunks.

You know the drill by now!

Here’s a visual representation for today’s nugget of wisdom:

If you have spent any time online, you will have seen your fair share of hurtful comments.

Today’s saying is an approach that actor Tom Holland uses to identify whether he will take onboard the negative remarks:

One of the things I appreciate about Tom’s approach is that it highlights how quickly people are to judge before truly getting to know the other party.

If people that are close to you and care about you give you feedback, even negative feedback, then see it as an opportunity to grow.

People who love you want to see you grow, so they won’t say it to hurt you but help you.

No matter who you are or what you do, you will receive feedback.

• It could be feedback on your study coursework

• It could be your recent results at work

• It could be your performances in your local sports team

• It could be online for the writing that you publish

Whatever it is, you will inevitably receive some remarks saying that you could do better.

In an ideal world, this would be constructive criticism, but as you’re undoubtedly familiar with the internet, this won’t always be the case.

If you find it challenging when you experience hateful remarks, use these 2 quick tips:

1. Even if you disagree with the feedback, consider their comment to have at least 1% truth to it.
   
   I have found that this approach encourages you to approach your endeavour with humility (embodying 1 of the 3 qualities that Patrick Lencioni writes about in The Ideal Team Player).
   
   It also enables you to practice the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen of trying to improve, even if it means actioning a tiny change.
   

2. The second tip is whenever you experience negative feedback or hurtful comments, say: “Thank you for sharing your opinion.” 
   
   You would be surprised how much this approach has changed how I feel after someone has insulted me.
   
   I’ve found that it deescalates the situation, and helps you to have closure on that line of discussion.

When you get the chance to try these tips, let me know! I’d love to hear from you.

Consider journaling your responses to the following questions:

• How do I usually engage with negative feedback or hateful remarks?

• Could I benefit by implementing the tips in today’s newsletter?

Want to journal? Enjoy 50% off Journal Wiser today!

Today’s resource is a reading recommendation!

Mel Robbins recently released her latest book The Let Them Theory.

It encompasses her theory that complements today’s reflection.

Drawing inspiration from timeless philosophies like Stoicism, the Serenity Prayer, and Radical Acceptance, The Let Them Theory helps you to recognise what is outside of your control and to focus on what is in your control.

To learn more about The Let Them Theory, check out her book here:

Please note, this is not an affiliate link - just a recommendation that could help you get wiser.

If you have any feedback on the WISER Newsletter, I would love to hear it! Simply reply to this email, and I will get back to you. Alternatively, just DM me on social media.

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Catch you in the next issue!

Thanks,
Michael