Academics: How to handle outside criticism

In 2019 I had an experience where a group of religion scholars openly mocked and derided me and my work

Since then I have been processing the strange world of academia. Here is my advice... (1/5)

(1) Ignore the trolls, don't engage
(2) Admit when you were wrong
(3) Do bold and "dangerous" research such that you WILL be criticized
(4) Keep and save notes of encouragement, I do
(2/5)

(5) Write a vocation statement for yourself & stick to it
(6) Academia rightly expects scholars to reflect critically on their own work but reach out to trusted colleagues for that feedback; I have friends who I know disagree with my work, & have given helpful feedback (3/5)

(7) Remember: the feeling of shame from public criticism almost always feels worse than it really is
(8) Some people/groups are just not going to like you & may mock you: they have issues, leave them be

(4/5)

(9) Have at least one colleague that can be your "cry on my shoulder" friend, I have a few of these
(10) Eat some chocolate, you'll be okay

(5/5)