June 11, 2025

How Three Coping Mechanism Helped Me Deal with Negative Feedback

When I was trying to cope with this new personality trait, I had to manage it in a few ways. Coping can be very challenging when you’re being told negative things about yourself that you weren’t ready or prepared to hear. Some coping mechanisms that helped me during this journey were:

Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance

One of the most important things you can do when trying to change is to develop self-awareness. Accepting negative attributes or comments about yourself is difficult, but necessary. Taking constructive criticism can be harsh and unwelcoming. Sometimes, we like to deflect and blame others for our bad behavior.

However, I learned that when I am trying to change, it is important to focus on myself. I cannot control what others do, but I can control how I respond.

Self-Reflection

I sat back and thought about times I may have been inflexible. This process even involved asking others for their perspectives and taking time to truly consider what they shared. It inspired me to listen—not just to respond and defend myself—but to genuinely hear their point of view.

Seeking Out a Trusted Friend

This was a tremendous coping skill for me because she held me accountable. Despite my desire to change, I was not going to change overnight. It’s a lifestyle, and having someone to hold me responsible during this time was helpful.

She not only pointed out my flaws but also offered positive affirmations and emotional support, uplifting me throughout this time. She helped me gain confidence in my abilities.

Coping with uncomfortable truths about yourself is not easy AT ALL. But through awareness, reflection, and support, growth and change is possible. I’m still on this journey, but these tools have been key in helping me move forward, then and now.