There is a trajectory of mental states from the beginning writer toward the seasoned, thick(er)-skinned writer. I think that development along that trajectory includes getting beyond the innocent hubris of “My writing is great! People have always said so!” and moving toward the knowledge that all good writing takes work and generally benefits from a variety of voices giving constructive feedback.
Like the child who is always praised and never challenged, we do no service to ourselves by glossing over things we need to work on. I ought to know. I used to be one of those innocent hubris writers. I hope I’ve moved beyond it.
I sure have a few calluses.
Rebecca Kuder 
Hard won, painfully earned callouses here, too – for sure! But as long as we’re learning, and as long as we keep trying, no matter how difficult it sometimes is to drown out those voices, we have a decent (?!) chance of succeeding. I hope…
Well said, Cyndi. And I hope so, too! :)
(p.s. I really like to lead those critic voices out of the room while I’m writing. It helps. As long as I remember to close the door. But they are like toddlers, too, and keep wandering back in.)
Ah yes, that balancing act is key, isn’t it. It crops up with anything that involves connecting with other people. But I’m glad you give yourself time away from the critics, as hard as that can be. They have their place, they’re useful and necessary, but they have to wait their turns.
Patrick, so true. Those critics really need less and less of my time, at least that’s my new attempt at generating more good stuff. (“They” can help me tear it down and build it up again LATER!)