However, a few days later, I received the results of a survey from those in attendance—feedback from the very people I had hoped to serve. While the overall responses were overwhelmingly positive, there were a few comments that were very negative, even polarizing. Although they represented just a small portion of the overall feedback, I found myself fixating on those comments. I couldn’t help but ruminate on them, questioning what went wrong and wondering how I could have done better.
As difficult as it was to receive these critical remarks, I’ve come to realize that negative feedback can actually be one of the most valuable tools for growth. Instead of letting those comments defeat me, I chose to see them as opportunities for reflection, improvement, and resilience. Here are five good things that can come from negative feedback—lessons I’ve personally found helpful:
1. Clarity and Direction for Improvement
While the positive feedback is always nice to hear, it’s often the negative feedback that provides specific insights on areas for improvement. It gives you clarity about what could be better or what needs to change. In my case, the few negative comments pointed out specific aspects of my delivery that I could adjust. With this clarity, I now have a roadmap for refining my approach in future workshops.
2. Opportunity for Self-Reflection
Receiving negative feedback forces us to reflect on our actions, decisions, and performance. It gives us a chance to look critically at ourselves and ask: “What can I learn from this?” For me, the negative comments helped me identify aspects of my presentation I hadn’t considered and challenged me to think about how I can make my workshops even more impactful. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary for growth.
3. Strengthened Relationships
Constructive feedback, even when negative, can help strengthen relationships. When you receive feedback graciously and show a willingness to learn from it, it builds trust. In my case, the negative comments gave me an opportunity to engage with attendees who may have felt disconnected or dissatisfied. By acknowledging their feedback and addressing their concerns, I can deepen those connections and ensure future experiences are even better.
4. Resilience and Growth
Learning to handle criticism without letting it derail us is key to building resilience. Negative feedback can sting, but over time, it helps us become more adaptable and confident in handling setbacks. I’ve learned that instead of letting those negative comments define me, I can use them as fuel for personal growth and professional development. It’s all part of the journey toward improvement.
5. Innovation and Creative Solutions
Negative feedback can spark new ideas and creative solutions. By listening to concerns and considering how I can improve, I open the door to innovation. Maybe there are ways I can deliver content more effectively, or perhaps there’s a better way to engage participants. Feedback, both good and bad, pushes us to think outside the box and find new ways to solve problems and meet the needs of those we serve.
In Conclusion It’s easy to get stuck on negative feedback, especially when it feels like a personal critique. But when we take a step back and view it as an opportunity for improvement, it becomes a powerful tool for growth. The next time you face criticism, embrace it. Reflect, learn, and use it to fuel your journey toward becoming the best version of yourself. Just like I did with the feedback from my workshop, turn it into an opportunity for positive change.
4o mini
Yours in wellness,
Lisa Lounsbury
Founder, New Day Wellness Inc.
visit: newdaywellness.ca
Learn about the author: Lisa Speaks
Get a copy of her book: Making Wellness a Priority
