“हाथी चले बाज़ार कुत्ते भौंकें हज़ार” is an often quoted expression. It figuratively means when a person progresses with something or succeeds, the people often vilify him and protest.

When we progress, very often there maybe people (friends and family), who cannot deal with the changes that progress / success comes with. Thats when we begin to hear judgements made upon us (exaggerated statements on the positive or the negative side).

Dealing with opinions and criticism effectively involves active listening, and responding thoughtfully while prioritizing self-esteem and growth. While one must acknowledge their perspective, its crucial to distinguish between constructive criticism that can lead to improvement and harsh criticism that should be minimized or ignored.

By approaching feedback with an open mind, you can transform criticism into opportunities for learning and personal development. Evaluate whether the criticizer is a reliable source and whether their feedback is based on facts or personal biases.

Be kind to yourself and acknowledge your own emotions during the process. Learn to say no to unreasonable or toxic criticism and protect your emotional well-being. Confide in trusted friends or mentors who can offer encouragement and perspective.

You can control your response to criticism, and that’s where you can focus your energy.