Trump: How to Get Rich

Keep Critics in Perspective

In any job, you will be criticized at some point. Let’s face it: Nobody but a total masochist wants to be criticized.

There is constructive criticism, and then there is destructive criticism. Here’s how to assess both types:

1. First of all, consider the source. Should this person’s opinion even matter to you?

2. If it does matter to you, take a few minutes to consider whether anything helpful can result from the criticism. Others can often see things that we have overlooked. Use their keen eyes to your advantage.

3. Critics serve their purpose. Sometimes they serve a larger purpose, and sometimes they serve their own purpose.American Idol judge Simon Cowell can be critical of the performers on the program, but he’s fair and he’s honest, and I don’t think American Idol would work without him. Simon was nice enough to compliment The Apprentice in an interview. I think it’s absolutely fantastic, he told the Daily News. I think [Trump] is superb on the show. He’s not hamming it up. He’s just playing himself and that’s very hard to do on television. As I said, Simon is a fair and honest critic, and I am a fan of his.

4. Everyone has an opinion. In most cases, it’s not worth the paper it’s written on.

5. If the opinion is worth the paper it’s written on, and it’s written in a paper people are buying and reading, then realize that if people didn’t find you interesting enough for public consumption, they wouldn’t be taking the time to criticize you. Think of their criticism as a compliment, proof of your significance.