5 Ways to Develop Thick Skin

Five experts in the art of parrying criticism—from a comedian to a chef—share their best strategies for developing thick skin.

Be (a Little) Egotistical

For some, having a thick skin means preparing for the worst—arming yourself for a huge battle. But that notion allows negativity to define you. Rather, I work to maintain an unwaveringly extra-positive self-image. Even when my contract wasn’t renewed on Saturday Night Live last year, I remained 100 percent confident in my abilities. One decision on someone else’s part, whether they’re affirming or rejecting you, is ultimately minor. You are the constant, and your own opinion of yourself is what matters most.

Jenny Slate is a Brooklyn-based actress and comedian. With Dean Fleischer-Camp, she recently cowrote the book Marcel the Shell With Shoes On: Things About Me ($19, amazon.com).