Being Critical Isn’t Bad: It’s Your Superpower

Have you ever been told that “being critical doesn’t get you anywhere”? Let me tell you something: that’s a lie we’ve been sold since we were kids. If you don’t question things, you don’t move forward. It’s that simple.

Let me share a story. A few years ago, I was one of those people who followed everything by the book. My boss would say, “Do this; it works this way.” My clients would ask for absurd things, and I’d say, “Sure, no problem.” Because I thought, “The more flexible I am, the better things will go for me.” Big mistake.

What ended up happening was that I got frustrated, stuck, and, honestly, even started doubting if entrepreneurship was for me. Everything changed the day I asked myself this question: “What if I’m failing because I’m blindly doing what others tell me without questioning it?”

Criticism as a Growth Tool

Let’s get something straight first: being critical isn’t being negative. It’s being smart. It’s about identifying what doesn’t work, tossing it out, and keeping what does. In the business world, being critical isn’t optional. It’s a must if you want to grow.

Here’s an example: how many times have you downloaded an Excel template, thought it looked great, used it, and then realized, “This isn’t helping me at all”? Not because Excel is bad, but because you used it without asking: “Does this template solve MY problem, or is it just something pretty that works for someone else?”

Criticism isn’t saying, “I don’t like it.” It’s saying, “This doesn’t serve me, but this other thing could work if I adjust it.”

Why Avoiding Criticism is a Problem

Here’s a reality check: when you don’t question things, you become part of the crowd. And do you know what happens to businesses that are part of the crowd? They fall behind.

For instance, imagine everyone in your industry uses the same strategy to attract customers: discounts, promotions, “amazing customer service”… the same old thing. But you’re still not selling enough to grow. Why? Because you never asked yourself if what everyone else is doing actually applies to your business.

A friend of mine, who runs a catering business, was desperate because he wasn’t getting clients. I asked him how he was promoting his business, and he said, “Well, you know, discounts and more discounts.” I told him, “What if your clients don’t care about discounts? What if they’re looking for quality, exclusivity, or something unique?”

He decided to change his strategy: he got rid of discounts and instead offered personalized and exclusive services. The result? He doubled his clients in three months.

Question EVERYTHING, Even Your Own Methods

Recently, I worked with a client who was frustrated because his team wasn’t delivering results. His complaint? “They don’t know how to work; they can’t make decisions.” When I asked him how he was leading them, he went silent. I said, “Your team isn’t the problem. The problem is how you’re giving them instructions. If you don’t teach them how to decide, how can you expect them to do it?”

That conversation changed everything. He implemented quick meetings, gave his team more autonomy, and now has a team that works almost without supervision. But none of that would’ve happened if he hadn’t questioned his own leadership.

Here’s another personal example: For years, I believed that working longer hours would make me more productive. I was one of those people who stayed up late tweaking details. But one day, I sat down and analyzed my results. Guess what? The extra hours weren’t worth it. My mind was drained, and my decisions were terrible.

I decided to try something radical: working fewer hours but with total focus. I cut out distractions, said no to unnecessary meetings, and prioritized the essentials. The result? More productivity, more free time, and, best of all, less stress.

How to Use Criticism Strategically

1. Identify What’s NOT Working: Make an honest list of everything that’s frustrating you in your business—from processes to client relationships. Don’t be afraid to include yourself on that list. Sometimes, the problem isn’t external; it’s us.
2. Ask Yourself “Why”: Why are you doing things a certain way? Is it working? If not, why are you still doing it? Sometimes we follow patterns just because “that’s how it’s always been done,” and that’s a mistake.
3. Get Uncomfortable: The best ideas come when you step out of your comfort zone. Question the solutions you’ve already taken for granted. Ask yourself if what you’re doing today is really getting you closer to your goals or just keeping you busy.
4. Make Strategic Adjustments: Being critical isn’t about getting stuck in analysis. It’s about taking action. If something doesn’t work, change it. If something kind of works, improve it. Criticism without action is just complaining.

What You Gain from Strategic Criticism

Let’s talk benefits. Because, yes, criticism has a bad reputation, but the results are undeniable:

1. You Make Better Decisions: Criticism forces you to think before acting. This is key, especially in finance and management. When you analyze your numbers and question your expenses, it’s easier to optimize and save.
2. You Lead with Clarity: A leader who questions teaches their team to do the same. And that’s where the best ideas happen. When you lead through questioning, you create an environment where innovation thrives.
3. You’re More Productive: When you criticize your own methods, you eliminate unnecessary processes and maximize your resources. How many times do we do things out of routine that really add no value?
4. You Grow Faster: Businesses don’t move forward when they follow the herd; they move forward when they carve their own path. Criticism gives you the courage to break molds and try new things.
5. You Build Trust: When you question and find better solutions, your clients notice. They see you take your work seriously, and that builds loyalty.

Breaking the Fear of Criticism

I know we often avoid criticism because we’re afraid of messing up. What if questioning something important makes everything fall apart? But let me tell you something: the mistake isn’t questioning. The mistake is staying silent and living with the doubt.

An entrepreneur I know, who owns a small marketing agency, was stuck offering full-service advertising because he thought “more is better.” When he dared to criticize his own business model, he realized his team was burnt out, and his clients were unhappy. The solution? He specialized in one service: social media. The result? More clients, higher revenue, and a happier team.

My Advice to You

The next time someone tells you, “Don’t be so critical,” smile and respond: “If I don’t criticize, how am I going to improve?”

The entrepreneurs who move forward aren’t the ones who follow magic recipes. They’re the ones who question, test, and refine. So, don’t be afraid to be the “critical” one in the room. Because, at the end of the day, being critical is what’s going to take you to the next level.

A Challenge for You

I want you to do something today: Write down three things in your business that aren’t working as they should.

Then ask yourself:

• Why am I doing this this way?
• What would happen if I did it differently?
• What can I adjust today to improve?

I guarantee you that if you start questioning, you’ll find solutions you didn’t even know were there. And the best part? You’ll start building a business that truly works for you and your clients.

So tell me: What’s the first thing you’re going to criticize in your business today? 👇

I’m waiting for your answers. 💬

Let's go out there and make a difference, together!

Ernesto Flores García

Aspira Brilla Crece México (ABCMéxico)

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