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Letter to the critic

By Jon Washburn

Real Estate Agent

October 03, 2009 07:44 AM

You are doing a fine job in the critical assessment of the accomplishments of those who are out there doing something. Surely there is no shortage of critics who take jabs at great efforts, especially when those efforts fall short of the creator's vision. However, the world is rarely benefitted by discouraging the dreams of doers. If you must focus your energy towards criticism, it should be turned towards motivating those who take no risks, and do not venture towards greatness, but live a life without purpose or effort.

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Missy Caulk

Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI

Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate

Most all great accomplishments in life are preceeded my set backs.

But, also great success comes to those who risk.

Oct 03, 2009 07:49 AM

Bob Haywood

McGraw Realtors - Owasso, OK

BobHaywood.com

It amazes me how many people are quick to criticize but short on helping those who dream. I think it comes from an attitude of, "Oh yeah, who are YOU! So there!"

I saw a bumber sticker that said something like mean people (fill in the blank).

Oct 03, 2009 07:53 AM

Jon Zolsky, Daytona Beach, FL

Daytona Condo Realty, 386-405-4408 - Daytona Beach, FL

Buy Daytona condos for heavenly good prices

Jon,

Who is the citic? You have someone particular in mind or you are addressing all of them (or us) as a class?

I thhink we are both encouraging and critisizing at the same time. At least, usually in life it is like this. Or maybe I am wrong

Oct 03, 2009 07:58 AM

Jon Washburn

Seattle, WA

Missy, it's interesting that the pursuit of great success nearly always accompanies exposure to risk.

I tend to measure the level of risk involved in an endevour by attributing a guess at a literal percentage of failure, then I analyze what that failure would mean in real terms in my life. This process affords me a sense of security in my pursuits, and allows me a level of self forgiveness in my failures.

In hindsight I can look at a failure and say, "Going in I figured that I had a 25% chance of failing. It looks like I got a bad roll of the dice; onto my next adventure.".

Oct 03, 2009 07:59 AM

Steve Shatsky

Dallas, TX

Well stated! Criticism should be focused not only on motivating those who do not take risks, but also on challenging others to "raise the bar" to achieve more!

Oct 03, 2009 07:59 AM

Lenn Harley

Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA

Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

Ah ha. A cretic in our midst. They must have taken the day off from contemplating their navel.

Funny thing about critics. They are usually anonomous.

Oct 03, 2009 08:03 AM

Jon Washburn

Seattle, WA

Hi Jon,

This post received it's origins as a comment on a blog (outside of ActiveRain) earlier today. However, my intention is that this post is directed at all critical works.

Steve,

Although I agree with you that criticism should be focused on challenging others to achieve more, I believe that positive affirmation is a much more successful method of enacting change. I believe my post missed this point and so I'm glad that you provided to me the opportunity to address it.

Oct 03, 2009 08:05 AM

Jon Washburn

Seattle, WA

Bob,

I wonder if critics believe they are helping people by evaluating their subject's efforts?

Oct 03, 2009 08:07 AM

Shirley Parks

Sands Realty 210-414-0966 - San Antonio, TX

Broker, 210-414-0966, San Antonio TX Real Estate

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Jonathan. I hope everybody reads this. It's a real downer to read negative/critical comments even if they aren't directed at the reader.

Oct 03, 2009 08:18 AM

Steve Shatsky

Dallas, TX

Hi Jon... Your response actually reminded me of something. I read a study on motivation when I was managing a team of managers years ago, and the results said that neither positive affitmation nor critical assesment/feedback were effective alone. What this study said was the "optimal" approach was a combination of the two (and if I recall, some "incentive" thrown in for good measure). Maybe you and I should get together and do our own study! :)

Oct 03, 2009 08:22 AM

JB Brookman

JB Brookman Photography - Franklin, TN

High School Senior Portrait Photographer

Those who can't DO, often have to criticize:)

Oct 03, 2009 08:29 AM

michelangelo vasco

mvp realty inc. - Manhattan, NY

I am a big believer in positive reinforcement and also think doing anything is better than doing nothing

Oct 03, 2009 08:56 AM

Jason Crouch

Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX

Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)

Jon - I agree wholeheartedly. I have found that those who spend their time trying to tear others down only end up harming themselves.

Oct 03, 2009 09:25 AM

Keith Burke

Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors - Belleville, IL

Jon,

Excellent post! I need to share this with those individuals who criticized me for becoming a full time Realtor! I took a risk by quitting my full time job but I no longer enjoyed it. I've always wanted to be a Realtor. And I will be successful. Failure is not an option!

Oct 03, 2009 12:55 PM

J. Philip Faranda

Howard Hanna Rand Realty - Yorktown Heights, NY

Associate Broker / Office Manager

"No one ever erected a statue to a critic"

Truer words were never spoken!

Oct 04, 2009 05:56 AM

Rick Sergison

EXP Realty of Canada Inc., Brokerage - Pickering, ON

Durham Region Real Estate Blog

A critic is someone that knows the way, but can't drive a car. -- Kenneth Tynan

Oct 04, 2009 08:19 AM

Karen Luke

South Metro Property Management, LLC - McDonough, GA

Henry County Real Estate

Critics are bystanders of the players.

Oct 13, 2009 05:22 AM

Valorie Stover, Realtor for Casta del Sol

Casta del Sol Real Estate / HomeSmart Everygreen Realty - Mission Viejo, CA

Mission Viejo,CA, Active Adult Community!

I try to avoid people that are always negative and critical because I find myself having to use my energy to stay positive when around them.

Mar 08, 2010 04:24 AM

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Jon Washburn

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