Feedback Strategies: Don't Look Back, Look Forward!

Try Feedforward Instead of Feedback by Marshall Goldsmith

I really liked the title of this article, it's really creative. I liked how the article talks about how people give feedback for something that has happened in the past instead of talking about what can happen in the future. Although it's meant to help someone in the future, I feel like it does more damage than good. I've always been told to focus on the present rather than the past and this article made me think about why I always focus on what has already happened rather then what could happen and the answer is simple, we are always talking about what we could've done better in the past rather than the future.

The future is meant to be exciting and talking about what can happen can probably add to that excitement because it means we can do better. The article mentions that participants described the exercise as "fun" and "energizing" instead of "painful" and "embarrassing. This basically explains what I meant earlier when I said I felt like feedback can cause more damage. I know there's been situations where I have gotten feedback and although I know it's meant to help me and am grateful that someone gave me feedback, the negative feelings that come after aren't so helpful.

It makes sense why athletes are always talking about doing better in the next game after they've lost. It's because they've been taught to feedforward instead of backwards.

I like the concept of feedforward because it's not implying that something someone did was wrong or bad or inappropriate but it's helping someone to become better instead. It's also less harsh.

Be a Mirror: Give Readers Feedback that Fosters a Growth Mindset by Gravity Goldberg

1. Be Specific

2. Focus on what the reader is doing (not what's missing)

3. Focus on the process

4. Make sure it can transfer.

5. Take yourself out of the feedback.

This article was really helpful in explaining how to give feedback. I find myself often using "I" when giving other people feedback (like right now). The article does a good job at comparing feedback to a mirror especially when the author talks about how a mirror can't reflect something that's not there. This article is something worth keeping in your backpocket to look back on. 

Inspirational Quote
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Feedback Thoughts: Take It or Leave It

The Psychology of  Comparison and How to Stop

I really liked this article because I used to (and still do occasionally) compare myself to others but as time went by I learned not to worry about others. As a first-generation student, I have learned to tell myself to do my best and not worry about how someone else did better on their tests or got a better grade to me because I also know that some of the students who do better also had parents who went to college. I always have had the assumptions that people with parents who have gone to college might be a little smarter but I also know that does not make me any less smarter. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. I do not see being a first-generation student as a weakness but instead, I see it as my strength.

Like the article explains, I am galloping my way to the finish line and focused on my goals. The fourth tip is highly relatable because I when I compare my situations to others, I forget that everyone's starting point is different. I remind myself that I am doing my best and now that I am finally a senior I know I am doing my best.

Why Rejection Hurts and What to Do About It

This article can not be far from the truth. Whether it's intentional or not, rejection can leave a person vulnerable. It's unfortunate that we self-inflict the pain because of these rejections but I'm glad to know it can also be fixed.

Being a person whose dealt with a lot of social rejection, I learned to use some of the methods that the article explains and I couldn't have felt better! Although it takes time, it works eventually. I tend to overthink and analyze things but learned to just leave it alone cause the more I think about, the more it will become personal, when in reality it's not always the case.

 I really like the part where it says to call your grandparents if a first date doesn't follow-up. It basically gives the message to be around people who value you and helps a person avoid self-esteem issues which I think is a really good idea.

I am always open to feedback no matter how harsh it is because I like to improve and grow because like the picture below says:

( Jessica L. Tozer )