A week ago, I shared my product in a developer community. In my mind, I had already imagined the outcome: people discussing the product, appreciating the effort, maybe even giving constructive feedback. I expected curiosity, encouragement, or at least a few helpful comments.
But reality turned out differently. Instead of thoughtful discussions, I found myself reading comments like:
“People would just use Behance instead.”
“I don’t see how this is useful at all.”
“The best portfolio is still your own website. Why would anyone put it on your platform?”
At first, I was disappointed. I had spent months building something I believed in, and I hoped others would see its value. Receiving those harsh words felt like a punch to the stomach. For a brief moment, I even questioned whether it was worth continuing.
One sleepless night, and the thought lingered in my head for two or three days afterward. There were moments when I doubted my own product. But then, in a fleeting moment while playing with my daughter — she’s just over a year old — I suddenly realized what truly matters to me. I’m striving for life, for my little family. So why should I let my emotions be swayed by strangers?
Then I took a step back. I realized that criticism—whether fair or not—is an inevitable part of putting your work out into the world. And more importantly, it can be a hidden source of growth.
When I looked closer, I found insights within the noise:
The mention of Behance and Dribbble reminded me that I needed to sharpen my platform’s unique positioning.
The comment about personal websites showed me that I should communicate more clearly why my product exists and who it’s truly for.
This shift in perspective changed everything. Instead of seeing those remarks as rejection, I began to treat them as pointers. They didn’t invalidate my work; they highlighted where I could improve.
Here’s what I learned: overcoming criticism isn’t about ignoring it, nor is it about letting it crush you. It’s about filtering the noise to extract valuable lessons while staying true to your vision.
Because the truth is: if you’re building something meaningful, criticism will come. And that’s not a bad thing—it means people are paying attention.
So the next time you face negative comments, remember: every “harsh word” is either a distraction you can let go of, or a hidden clue that can make your work better. Don’t let criticism stop you. Let it refine you.
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