How Can We Use Feedback to Become Our Personal Best?
Posted: September 19, 2025
At Personal Best, one of our 12 pillars is Listening for Feedback. Feedback is one of the most powerful tools for growth—whether it feels good to hear or not. When someone gives us feedback we like, it motivates us to keep working hard and reinforces that we’re on the right track. But the most useful feedback is also the most specific. “That form was good” feels nice, but it’s much more motivating when you hear, “That form was really strong and powerful—I loved how loud your kiais were!” Specific, skill-based feedback gives us direction and energy to repeat the habits that make us successful.
On the other hand, feedback we don’t like can be harder to accept—but it can also be the most valuable. The key is to pause and consider: is there something to learn here? If yes, adjust and grow. If not, let it go without letting it upset you. For example, if someone says, “You’re so annoying,” it may feel harsh. But maybe you were doing something distracting or unkind—if so, you can correct it. If not, you can choose to release it, recognizing the other person may just be having a tough day. Either way, you’re practicing the skill of using feedback to your advantage.
Feedback is the bridge 🌉 between where you are and the best version of yourself. When we use the feedback we like to fuel us forward, and learn to filter and apply even the feedback we don’t like, we grow as martial artists, leaders, and people. By listening with our ears, our eyes, our heart, and our mind, we move closer every day to becoming our Personal Best. 🥋