(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value, or attitude.)


It seems you can’t even buy a donut today without receiving an email or text 20 minutes later to, “Tell us how we did! Rate us on FaceGramUhgull!”

Maybe it’s the constant asking for feedback that makes criticism seem more frequent. Once a person posts a critique, particularly an anonymous one, they can become a critic everywhere. Beyond donuts.

Creators have different energy and motivation than critics. Creators build. It takes something for a creator to earn approval—an award, plaque, or statue. Critics use little energy to tear one down.

Creators learn from building. Then use that to create their next contribution. It takes a lot to create.

Critics don’t have to learn anything. Nor contribute. They often undermine the whole by criticizing even its smallest elements. Critics often act from a wounded ego.

Creators are inspired by a resource quite a bit bigger than the ego.


Coaching Point: Can you recall the joy you felt the last time you created something?


Copyright 2025 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.