IN SEASON
In addition , it ’ s important to be careful with criticisms and empty praise . When we say , “ The grass isn ’ t supposed to be purple ,” we ’ ve just taken the joy out of the process and placed a value on the outcome - and a negative value at that . Likewise , praise like “ Wow , this is the most beautiful drawing I ’ ve ever seen in my life ” has an insidious effect . It ’ s pretty hard to top such an incredible work of art or to keep up at a masterful level , so the tendency might be to just not even try . Both criticisms and praise decrease the joy of the creative process because we ’ ve made it about our opinion and not their experience . If you want to say something nice , try , “ You worked really hard on that ! How do you feel about it ?”
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