Team Alpha 375

Second Basic Fear - The Fear of Criticism By: Napoleon Hill This basic fear of what people will say or think keeps many from developing and presenting ideas which would give them independence if acted upon. Thus fear of criticism robs man of his individuality. It undermines his self-reliance and develops an inferiority complex within him. Often the cruelest critics of everything we do, or plan to do, are our relatives. Therefore it is necessary to caution you again: Keep your definite major purpose to yourself. Do not express it before those who may seize upon it with criticism and attempt to thwart your ambition to excel your previous efforts. Parents with good intentions but a limited understanding of human relations, often do their children irreparable injury by criticizing them, shaming them, or making fun of them and their childhood dreams of achievement. Teasing an adolescent boy about his girl friends, and vice versa, is very definitely a dangerous practice which may lead to permanent social maladjustment in the case of a sensitive personality. Strangely enough, criticism is one form of service which nearly everyone renders willingly, and usually without charge or invitation. It is the one type of service with which nearly everyone is very generous. There is, however, a very significant difference between criticism and constructive suggestions. Often an employee, an associate, or a child, needs correction. Some of his habits may be unproductive, wasteful or in bad taste. A well-balanced person will learn to accept constructive suggestion in the spirit in which it is given, and will not brood over mistakes of the past. The three most obvious symptoms of the fear of criticism are: A. A desire to keep up with the Joneses. This will prompt you to try to maintain a front in competition with your neighbors, even if it causes you to spend beyond your income. B. The habit of bragging about your achievements, either real or imaginary. It often happens that a person will cover up his feelings of inferiority by boasting, emulating others who are successful, and generally trying to give an impression of superiority. C. An easy embarrassment. This is occasioned by an inability to express definite decisions, a fear of meeting people, reticence, and lack of self-confidence. It often results in fear of those in higher authority, avoidance of responsibility, and lack of personal initiative. Fear of criticism is almost as general as fear of poverty. Similarly, it saps initiative and prevents the full play of the imagination, thus undermining two essential ingredients for personal achievement and success.