If you’ve never built a damn thing in your life, your “constructive criticism” is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. Advice without experience is just noise—like a backseat driver who’s never owned a car but insists on telling you how to parallel park.
The World is Full of Unqualified Critics
We live in an era where everyone has an opinion, but very few have the credentials to back them up. Social media has given a megaphone to people who haven’t done the work but still want to be heard. These are the same people who will critique your business ideas while they’re still living in their mom’s basement, judge your fitness progress while skipping leg day for the third year in a row, or tell you how to run a successful brand when they can’t even keep their own life in order.
Criticism should serve as a guide, not a roadblock. But when it comes from someone with no skin in the game, it’s just empty chatter. It’s easier for them to tear you down than to build something themselves.
The Difference Between Real Feedback and Empty Opinions
Here’s the thing: real builders, creators, and doers don’t waste time cutting others down. They’re too busy in the trenches, learning, failing, adapting, and actually making things happen. When they do offer feedback, it comes from a place of experience, not insecurity.
Real advice is actionable. If someone who’s built a seven-figure business tells you your marketing strategy needs work, listen. If a professional athlete critiques your form in the gym, take notes. If an accomplished artist suggests ways to improve your craft, consider it carefully.
Now, if your out-of-shape coworker tells you your workout plan is all wrong, if your broke cousin critiques your financial goals, or if some random internet troll says your art is trash? Politely (or not so politely) ignore them and keep pushing forward.
The Psychology of the Unaccomplished Critic
People who haven’t built anything often criticize those who are trying. Why? Because your progress reminds them of their own lack of action. Instead of using that discomfort as motivation to improve themselves, they project their insecurities onto others.
It’s easier to dismiss someone else’s journey than to take responsibility for their own stagnation. It’s why people attack things they don’t understand, why they try to invalidate success they haven’t achieved, and why they pretend to know more than they do.
Recognizing this pattern is crucial. Once you see that their words are a reflection of their own issues rather than a valid critique of your work, it becomes easier to ignore them.
Who Should You Listen To?
Just because you shouldn’t take criticism from nobodies doesn’t mean you should go through life ignoring feedback altogether. The key is knowing who to actually listen to.
1. People Who Have Achieved What You Want Seek advice from those who have walked the path you want to take. Want to build a business? Listen to entrepreneurs who have successfully done it. Trying to get in shape? Follow fitness coaches and athletes who have proven results. Looking to master a craft? Learn from people whose work speaks for itself.
The best mentors and guides don’t just talk about success—they embody it. They’ve faced challenges, put in the work, and come out on the other side with real lessons to share. They won’t just tell you what to do; they’ll show you how it’s done through their own actions.
2. People Who Give Actionable, Specific Feedback A valuable critique isn’t just “This sucks.” It’s, “Hey, this part could be stronger, and here’s why.” Good feedback is detailed and solution-oriented. It helps you grow rather than just making you feel inadequate.
3. People Who Want to See You Win There’s a difference between criticism meant to help and criticism meant to tear down. The best feedback comes from people who genuinely want to see you improve, not those who secretly hope you fail.
How to Handle Unqualified Criticism
Despite your best efforts to tune out the noise, you’ll still encounter people who feel the need to share their unsolicited opinions. Here’s how to deal with them:
1. Consider the Source
Before taking any critique to heart, ask yourself: Has this person accomplished what I’m trying to accomplish? If the answer is no, their opinion holds no weight.
2. Don’t Waste Energy Arguing
Trying to prove yourself to someone who hasn’t done anything is like arguing with a pigeon on a chessboard—they’ll knock over the pieces, crap on the board, and still think they won. Just keep moving.
3. Focus on Execution
Let results speak louder than words. Keep building, keep improving, and let your progress be the ultimate response to criticism.
4. Surround Yourself with the Right People
Spend time around other builders, doers, and achievers. Their insights will be invaluable, and their support will drown out the noise of the unqualified critics.
Final Thought: Build and Keep Building
At the end of the day, criticism only matters if it comes from someone who’s been where you’re going. The rest? Background noise. Hit mute, follow the builders, and construct something worth talking about.
