Navigating Feedback: Energy vs. Advice

We all get feedback.

But have you ever noticed how some people make you feel after the conversation is over?

Some people give feedback that’s helpful—but you walk away feeling smaller.

Like you’re not doing enough.

Like your success is unlikely.

And here’s the tricky part—what they said might actually be useful.

But the way they said it?

It drained your energy.

Pay attention to that.

Feedback from someone who leaves you feeling defeated might not be feedback you should keep seeking out.

Sure, take note of their points, but be careful about returning to that well.

Energy drainers are killers of self-esteem and momentum.

On the flip side, there are people who give feedback and leave you feeling energized.

Maybe they challenge you, but in a way that sparks your confidence.

They believe in your potential.

They want you to succeed.

Those are the people you can keep going back to.

Not just for feedback, but for support.

Sometimes, they’ll even help you make sense of feedback you received from the energy drainers.

Here’s something to remember: feedback isn’t just about facts or insights.

It’s about how the delivery lands and whether it motivates you to take action.

You don’t need to listen to every voice equally.

Protect your energy, and seek out the people who lift you up.

Some people are your champions, no matter what.

And others are critics, no matter what.

Everyone is projecting.

So, it’s not just about what they’re saying—
It’s about how they make you feel when they say it.

This week, think about the feedback you’ve been given recently.

Did it help you or drain you?

And more importantly—who will you go to next time?

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