Attachment to praise and avoidance of criticism keeps us from doing innovative, controversial work and — more simply — from following the paths we feel called toward, whether or not those around us understand or approve.

Most of us are experts at avoiding criticism. It doesn’t feel good to fail or to be judged publicly, so we tend to avoid situations where that might happen. And that’s the biggest reason why you slip into motion rather than taking action: you want to delay failure.

You can’t let praise or criticism get to you. It’s a weakness to get caught up in either one.

You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one.

People who avoid all criticism fail. It's destructive criticism we need to avoid, not criticism in all forms.

Fear of criticism is a powerful deterrent because the criticism doesn't actually have to occur for the fear to set in. Watch a few people get criticized for being innovate, and it's pretty easy to convince yourself that the very same thing will happen to you if you're not careful.

The trick is to not only deny the criticism any power over you, but, even more challenging, to not get caught up in the praise.

The easiest way to avoid criticism is to avoid being open. It’s also the easiest way to avoid being loved.

We choose not to be remarkable because we’re worried about criticism.

The comfort we feel when we do what is expected keeps us from developing the skills we need to face uncertainty.

The pleasure of criticism takes away from us the pleasure of being deeply moved by very fine things.

If a creator is so afraid of judgment that they’re unable to move forward, it might be that the desire to share the work isn’t as strong as the desire to protect themselves.

What holds people back is the fear of being judged.

If you are praised by others, be skeptical of yourself. For it is no easy feat to hold onto your inner harmony while collecting accolades.