No one likes to be criticised, or told that what they are doing is wrong.  This harks back to our childhood when we wanted to please our parents and they tried to help us grow and learn but, sometimes, inevitably, we got things wrong and were gently told how to do it right – hopefully.

As adults we all believe that we can just pick up new ideas and concepts, new hobbies and skills without actually having to go through the learning process!  That by just living every day, we will become better people, that somehow emotional and psychological growth just happens, painlessly, all the time.

Think about this logically.  When you start to learn a new skill, one which is quite involved, like Tai Chi or driving, there is an awful lot to take in and get to grips with.  No one, not even advanced driving instructors or Tai Chi Masters, managed to pick up all the skills required first time around.  They too, made many mistakes and were told that they were doing things wrong. 

There is a big difference between being told you are doing something wrong in order that you can advance your skills, and personal, ego driven criticism.  As adults we are capable of being able to tell the difference.

Ego is the key here.  You have to make mistakes to learn so, accept this and move on.  It’s good to make mistakes as it enhances your knowledge.  You are advancing here.  It is your teacher’s job to point out the good, and not so correct, in your Form and posture.  It focuses your mind on improving yourself when comments are delivered with a positive attitude.

With personal criticism you have to take into account who is making the comments and where they come from i.e. jealously, pettiness etc.  We all have an instant reaction to negative comments, a defence mechanism but, once you have gotten over this and there is some space between you and the antagonist, ask yourself if they may have a point.  You could use these harsh words to grow, use them in a positive way, if there is a bit of truth in them.  It’s hard to see ourselves in an unbiased way and if you ask your friends they won’t tell you the whole truth because you are their friend and they don’t want to upset you or loose you. 

So, find yourself a good teacher, one who you can trust and accept everything they say as true and you will learn and grow faster than you could ever  have imagined.