Seven Deadly Psychological Sins | Criticism

Human beings are by nature negatively focused and problem focused.  Positive interaction and affirmation is a learned skill—it’s something we have to do proactively and intentionally, or we will revert back to our critical patterns.

Ask yourself 3 questions before criticizing someone:

  1. Do I love to criticize or do I hate to criticize?  If you love it, I think you need to give yourself pause there.
  2. Am I doing it to help?  Is that my motive?
  3. Will I do it kindly and will I do it to that person’s face?

The replacement for criticism is very simple: Affirmation.

Learn to affirm people.  This does not come naturally to us.  If you’re a “criti-holic,” go on a criticism fast for 2-3 weeks.  Afterward, when you criticize, do it “affirmation sandwich style.”  Affirm that person, then issue your

criticism, then follow with another affirmation.

It’s been shown that, in order to neutralize the emotional impact of criticism, one must affirm five times. So remember that ratio: five affirmations to one criticism.

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Jennifer Jill Schwirzer LPC

In 1999 Jennifer graduated summa cum laude from Atlantic Union College. She is the founder of Michael Ministries, a music/speaking/writing ministry. She has produced six CDs of her own music and given concerts in the United States, Canada, Africa, South America, and Europe. Previous books include Testimony of a Seeker, A Most Precious Message, and I Want It All. Jennifer and husband, Michael, have been married for more than 20 years and have two children, Alison and Kimberly.

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