Do you ever feel like you’re being attacked when someone offers you constructive feedback? It’s like each word they say points an arrow straight at you, making you feel attacked, even if they mean well.

Or perhaps, when you hear criticism, even if it’s meant to help, you start questioning your abilities, wondering if you’re really cut out for what you’re doing. These feelings are more common than you think.

But here’s the thing: feedback, especially the constructive kind, isn’t your enemy. It’s actually a friend in disguise, ready to help you grow. But how do you know the feedback is ‘constructive’? Let’s explore that below.