How to Learn from Criticism: Growing as a Columnist

by

Here’s the article rewritten in my own sharing voice:

That blank page, it’s like this big, quiet challenge, right? But then, my fingers get going. Ideas, my own thoughts, things I’ve noticed – they all just start pouring out. First words, then sentences, then whole paragraphs. And just like that, a new piece of writing is born.

It goes out there, into the world, like a little boat on the internet ocean, carrying my message. And then… it happens. The criticism. For a lot of us, it feels like a punch to the gut, a swift reminder of everything we might have messed up. But for me, and I think for any writer, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been doing this forever, criticism isn’t a problem. It’s actually like a compass, pointing the way. What I want to talk about isn’t just how to survive criticism, but how to really, truly use it. It’s about taking what feels like negative feedback and turning it into this amazing fuel that helps you grow and become a stronger, more impactful voice in this huge, noisy world of writing.

Brace for Impact: Understanding Where Criticism Comes From

Before we even start talking about how to learn from it, we need to totally get that criticism is just part of the deal. Seriously, anything you write that goes public, especially if it’s your opinion, is going to get all kinds of reactions. It’s not that you’re a bad writer; it’s just how this whole writing thing works.

Why Are People Criticizing Me? Let’s Break It Down:

Guess what? Not all criticism is the same. Understanding why someone is giving you feedback is the first, super important step to actually getting something useful out of it.

  • The Helpful Critic (The Pro): This is the holy grail! These people genuinely want to see your work get better. Maybe it’s your editor, another writer you trust, or even a reader who really knows their stuff about writing or your topic. Their feedback is usually really clear, something you can actually do something with, and they’re trying to help you. For example: “That opening story is so good, but the way you jump to your main point feels a little sudden. Maybe a sentence that helps connect them would make it flow better.”

  • The “You’re Wrong!” Critic (The Opponent): These folks aren’t really critiquing how you write, but what you wrote. They just don’t agree with your opinion, your facts, or your conclusions. Their feedback can feel pretty intense sometimes, but honestly, it usually has nothing to do with how well you’ve written something. For example: “Your ideas about money are totally backward. You obviously don’t get how supply and demand works.”

  • The Mean Critic (The Troll/Hater): Their only goal? To make you mad, insult you, or try to bring you down. They don’t give you any useful advice, just negativity. These comments are designed to derail you, not to help. For example: “You’re an idiot. Your writing stinks.”

  • The Confused Critic (The Reader Who Missed Something): They might have totally misunderstood what you were saying, or misread a stat, or just skipped a really important paragraph. Their criticism comes from them not understanding, not necessarily from a problem with your writing. For example: “You said solar power is useless, but I read an article that said the opposite!” (When you actually argued for a mix of energy sources).

My Tip: Before you let your emotions take over, figure out what kind of critic you’re dealing with. How you handle their feedback will totally change depending on why they’re saying what they’re saying.

The Emotional Rollercoaster: Protecting Your Feelings While Staying Open

That first sting of criticism? We all feel it. It can make you want to throw up a defense, or get angry, or just feel completely defeated. Learning from criticism isn’t about never feeling those things, but about managing them so they don’t stop you from growing.

Building Your Inner Shield:

  • Acknowledge It, Don’t Dwell On It: When a harsh comment hits, just notice how it feels – that little pang of rejection, the flush of anger. Don’t try to push it away right away. Instead, just tell yourself, “Okay, that smarts.” Then, consciously shift your focus. What I do: Instead of immediately typing out an angry reply, I step away from my screen. I might go for a walk for five minutes. Make myself a cup of coffee. Just create some space, both physically and mentally, before I look at it again.

  • Your Art Isn’t You: Your column is something you created, but it’s not you. A critique of your writing isn’t a critique of your worth as a person. Really try to understand this difference. What I mean: Think of your column like a painting. Someone might say they don’t like the colors or the way you painted something – they’re not saying you’re a “bad painter” or a “bad person,” they’re just making an observation about those specific things in the painting.

  • Seek Understanding, Not Applause: Your main goal is to get better, not to have everyone love you all the time. Remind yourself that even the best writers get criticized. It’s just part of the journey. What really helps me: I think about a favorite writer whose work I totally admire. Then, I go look up some of the criticism they’ve received. Chances are, it’s a lot! This makes my own experience feel normal.

Digging for Gold: Finding the Good Stuff in the Rough

Once I’m feeling a bit more balanced emotionally, it’s time to stop reacting and start analyzing. This is where you actually turn raw feedback into useful insights.

How I Systematically Look at Criticism:

  1. Get Specific: Vague criticism (“This is bad”) is useless. I look for really specific points. If there aren’t any, and it’s coming from someone I trust (like an editor), I’ll ask for clarification. For example: If someone says, “Your argument isn’t strong,” I’ll push for more: “Could you tell me which part felt weak? Was it my evidence, how I structured my thoughts, or my conclusion?”

  2. Look for Patterns: One person pointing out a clumsy phrase is just one observation. But if five people are pointing out consistently unclear opening sentences in different pieces? That’s a pattern, and it needs my attention. I keep an eye out for recurring themes in the feedback I get. What I do: I use a simple spreadsheet. Column A: Date. Column B: My Article Title. Column C: The Specific Criticism. Column D: Who gave it (e.g., Editor, Reader comment #23). Then I look for common phrases or similar complaints (like “too academic,” “doesn’t feel personal,” “not enough facts”).

  3. Cross-Check and Confirm: I don’t just blindly accept every criticism. I compare it to what I think about my own writing and what other people are saying. Does my editor’s note about using too many words match up with a reader saying my “sentences are too long”? This helps me see if the criticism is really valid. For example: My editor flags a phrase that sounds redundant. Later, a reader comments that they felt “lost in too many words.” This confirms that I might have a tendency to be a bit wordy, and I need to work on it.

  4. Consider the Source: Is the feedback coming from someone who really knows their stuff in my field or about writing? A grammatical correction from an English professor carries more weight than from a random internet user. For example: A critic from a seasoned journalist I truly respect saying my piece lacks punch means more to me than an anonymous comment claiming I’m biased, especially if they don’t give any specific reasons.

  5. Separate Opinion from Technique: A reader might disagree with my politics. That’s an opinion. But if a reader points out that my evidence for that political stance is just anecdotal rather than statistical? That’s a critique of my writing technique. I focus on the latter. For example: My column argues for better public transportation. A reader comments, “Public transport is a waste of money.” (That’s their opinion). Another reader comments, “You say the city will save X amount of money, but your source is a blog, not an official city report.” (That’s a critique of my technique/evidence).

My Improvement Lab: Experimenting and Doing It Again

Analyzing is thinking; actually doing it is transformational. This is where I take those identified weaknesses and turn them into real strengths.

How I Put Things Into Action:

  1. Targeted Practice: If I keep getting feedback about clarity, I’ll do writing exercises specifically focused on being concise and direct. If it’s about structure, I’ll meticulously outline my next three columns before I even start writing them. What I do: If my editor always calls out awkward sentences, I’ll spend 15 minutes every morning rewriting complex sentences from my previous work, trying to make them shorter and flow better. I mentally use tools to help me spot complex sentences.

  2. Ask for Specific Help: Instead of just publishing and hoping for general comments, I’ll actively ask for feedback on the specific things I’m working on. I might ask an editor or a trusted friend, “I’m trying to improve my endings; how does this one feel?” What I do: After I write a column, but before I submit it, I’ll specifically ask a trusted beta reader: “I’ve been told my opening paragraphs are sometimes too long. Can you tell me if this intro grabs your attention right away, or if it feels like it drags?”

  3. Rewrite, Don’t Just Edit: Editing means fixing little mistakes. Rewriting means completely changing something, often tearing it down and rebuilding sections. This is key for fixing deeper issues with structure or arguments that criticism sometimes reveals. What I do: If feedback says my column rambles, I don’t just change a few words. I re-outline the entire piece. I find the core message, and then I mercilessly cut anything that doesn’t directly support it, even if it’s well-written.

  4. Internally A/B Test My Ideas: For things like headlines or opening paragraphs, I’ll draft several versions just for myself. Which one feels more impactful? Which one gets the message across better? This really helps me sharpen my own editing eye. What I do: Before I pick a headline, I’ll write three different options. I read them out loud. Which one grabs me? Which one accurately reflects the tone and content? This builds my intuition.

  5. Embrace Small Steps: I know I won’t become a writing master overnight. So, I focus on improving just one or two specific things per column or per month. This keeps me from getting overwhelmed and helps me focus my efforts. What I do: For my next column, I’ll focus exclusively on making my topic sentences stronger. For the one after that, I’ll concentrate on varying my sentence structure. Small, consistent efforts really add up over time.

The Loop: My Perpetual Growth Machine

Learning from criticism isn’t a one-time thing; it’s an ongoing process. Having a strong feedback loop is how I make sure I’m constantly improving.

How I Built My Growth System:

  1. My “Lessons Learned” Log: Beyond just spotting patterns, I keep a dedicated journal or document for insights. What did I learn from this specific piece of criticism? How did I use it? What happened as a result? For example: “My editor, Editor X, told me my use of passive voice made my arguments weaker in the ‘Climate Change’ piece. What I did: I went through my own writing to find passive sentences. Then, I consciously worked to rewrite them in active voice for the ‘Innovation Economy’ column. Result: Editor X noted that I sounded stronger and more direct.”

  2. Actively Seek Diverse Feedback: I don’t just wait for it to come to me. I engage with my readers politely. I join writing groups where good feedback is encouraged. The more different perspectives I get, the more I learn. For example: After a column is published, I watch the comments for questions or things that keep coming up. If someone keeps asking for more examples on a specific subject, I think about how I could have been clearer in my first piece, or I’ll include it in a follow-up.

  3. Regular Self-Audits: Every now and then, I step back and look at my own past work with fresh, critical eyes. What would I change about something I wrote six months ago? This self-awareness is so incredibly valuable. For example: I’ll re-read an old column after getting specific criticism on a new piece. Like, if someone tells me my current piece doesn’t have a clear main point, I’ll go back and analyze an older column that was praised for its clarity. What did I do differently back then?

  4. Don’t Fear the Red Pen (or Keyboard): I truly see every correction, every comment, every critique as a free lesson. Editors and thoughtful readers are giving me insights that other people pay a lot of money for. For example: Instead of cringing at the tracked changes in a document, I approach it like taking apart a machine. I try to understand *why an editor changed a word or rearranged a sentence. I’ll ask questions if I don’t understand their logic.*

  5. Celebrate My Wins, Big and Small: Acknowledging progress, even tiny steps, is so important. Did I get less negative feedback on my recent piece? Did an editor specifically point out a certain improvement? I’ll make a note of it. For example: If an editor used to criticize my transitions, and in my latest piece, they specifically praise my “seamless flow,” I’ll give myself a mental high-five. This positive reinforcement keeps me going.

My Columnist Journey Continues

Being a columnist is this amazing journey of constantly changing and getting better. Criticism, far from being a roadblock, is actually the essential key to that growth. It shakes me out of complacency, shows me my blind spots, and pushes me to refine my craft. By understanding what criticism is, dealing with the emotional side of it, carefully analyzing its content, and relentlessly putting those lessons into practice, I don’t just survive the heat – I actually get stronger in it. I embrace the critical gaze, because in those reflections, I find the blueprint for my next, even more powerful, and resonant column. I’m not just a writer; I’m a student of my own words, always learning, always improving.