Don't Criticize… Be Realized!

Posted by Scott Williams
3 Comments
August 25, 2009
Books | Leadership | Life Application

realizedI have been reading Steven Pressfield’s book the War of Art which is a great little read with some great quotes.  As I was reading back through some of my highlights; here is one of the many quotes that stuck out to me:

Individuals who are realized in their own lives almost never criticize others.  If they speak at all, it is to offer encouragement.

Please re-read that quote again and allow it to marinate around in your head for just a bit.  Some of the best leaders that I’ve worked for encouraged 10 times more than they criticized.  If you’re confident and realized in your own life, there is no need to beat down others.  I don’t read this quote to say that we can’t find faults or shouldn’t offer constructive criticism…  I process it to say don’t be critical for critical sake.

I hope this is my life motto; to have enough confidence and be realized because of Christ in me, that I don’t have to be overly critical of others.  As leaders, we are responsible to see the best in people, to encourage them, to develop them and to believe in them.  You find me someone who is a great leader, athlete, educator, artist, pastor, musician… and I’ll you a great life coach along their journey, that was realized enough in their own lives to encourage that person to greatness.

Don’t Criticize… Be Realized!

Are You Realized or Do You Just Criticize?  Share your thoughts on this post or Pressfield’s quote.

  • Westingoetz

    This is one area where Ive found that Christians fail in creating authentic relationships in the church. The minor or even unheard criticism is so destructive for any kind of relationship.

  • http://www.twitter.com/marcmillan Marc Millan

    Great post, I find myself in what is likely a defining moment in my life and family encouraging others like crazy and finding a lot of strnegth in that positive path. You nailed it towards the end of yoru post Scott where you mention a “great life choach” this is so true.
    Someone believed in me, encouraged me at some point and that was exactly what I needed to stand up and accept what God created me to be or to “realize” in full confidence his call in my life. Awesome stuff.

  • Danny Wahlquist

    Yes, Scott, I love your summary “Don’t Criticize… Be Realized!”. We must learn to follow Ephesians 4:29 more effectively. Is my speech true, does it build up and is it necessary?

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