Agreed. When people go "nature or nurture", the answer usually
   seems to end up being both in some way. Yes, I think we found
   one of the secrets to contentment and production: encouragement.
   I don't need praise per se, but a "keep doing whatever you're
   doing because you're doing it right" is all I need to accomplish
   whatever it is.

   It's also why I'm negative about negativity. The people capable
   of delivering criticism properly are few and far between, but
   there are many who take on the role of constructive critic just
   the same, not realizing they're really offering destructive
   criticism. It's a a delicate balance, but it's not really that
   difficult.*

   I've learned to learn from criticism and find the encouragement
   buried within the criticism but overall, I much prefer
   encouragement. More flies with honey than vinegar as it goes.