(Sorry … not sorry for that picture. :-)

In today's information based society there is an alarming trend that seems to be growing.

It seems to me that more and more people are feeling justified in voicing their opinions about anything and everything, without any apparent regard for the effects or damage they may be causing.

The anonymity provided by the internet allows people to spout all kinds of nonsense without any regard for accountability.  In my opinion, in most situations, this is NOT a good thing.

One of my pet peeves is people wanting to tell you their thoughts on what you are doing when they have no idea what they're talking about.  I mean really … do people really need to hear themselves talk that badly? Do they really need to have their opinion heard?  Are we that self-absorbed … Or have we become that needy and insecure?  I’ll get back to this in a minute...

Don't get me wrong, I believe constructive criticism is a very important and valid method to help improvement and growth.  In fact, I think it’s essential for reaching our potential.  I also believe there needs to be an understanding between the difference of CRITIQUING and being CRITICAL.

A critic who critiques provides a contextually correct or informed opinion based on understanding or experience which helps to move the critiqued forward ... seeking to build up and have a positive influence.

A critic who criticizes points out problems or deficiencies (real or perceived) without providing a solution for resolving or bettering the criticized … seeking to bring down and negatively influence.

In most cases, it seems to me that the person who criticizes is seeking to make themselves look or feel better by pointing out deficiencies in others.

"Why not try to do it yourself instead of telling me what’s wrong with what I’m doing?!"
     -- The Person in the Arena

The “armchair quarterbacks” seem to be growing in numbers in our society.

Could it be that they are actually mistaking criticizing others for actual achievement!?!?

Could it possible that people think because they’ve simply expressed their opinion about something … that they have somehow actually accomplished something in that realm???

Nothing could be farther from the truth.

People need to stop sitting back, relaxing comfortably on their fences throwing their opinions about haphazardly.  It’s time for people to get up, get going, and make a difference instead of simply voicing an opinion!

PEOPLE PLEASE … BECOME PART OF THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEMS YOU OBSERVE!

This is not hard to do. You already know how:
     1) Commit to something.
     2) Act.
     3) Be the change you want to see.

It's really that easy.

I DO believe in constructive criticism, so what do we do?

Check out this post: 5 EASY STEPS TO GET QUALITY CRITIQUE

Blessings and Strength!

John