Feedback and critique can help you grow. But not all criticism is useful. That doesn’t mean you should block yourself from all feedback to avoid getting hurt.

I came across something Rick Rubin said in an interview with Jay Shetty.

When someone gives you criticism, it’s telling you as much about who they are as what you’ve made.

I love this perspective because it shifts how we approach feedback. Criticism is not an objective truth—it’s shaped by the critic’s personal tastes, experiences, biases, and values.

With this in mind, take only what helps you or your work grow. Disregard the parts that don’t serve you—even the entire critique if necessary. There’s no need to be emotionally burdened by it.

I like to call this The Orange Method. Eat the fruit, discard the peel. You wouldn’t throw the whole orange away just because of its peel—so why do the same with feedback?

So next time you receive criticism, remember The Orange Method and take only what nourishes your growth.

I hope this insight helps you grow in whatever you’re pursuing, creative or otherwise.