What's In A Name?

Something I read recently said, "People usually judge you based on where you are at currently, not what you could become eventually. Don't let one comment stop you from trying. File it away or use it as fuel. Focus on getting better. Someone else's analysis of your current position doesn't tell you anything about your current potential."
I do like that.  It is said sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.  I personally do not think that is true.  The first part is a given, but it is the last part I have trouble with. “Names will never hurt me.” 
Whether I like it or not they do initially.  Someone else’s thoughts always cause a pause and reassessment.  I find it is my reaction that counts.  I reckon I would be foolish to deny without consideration of a negative assessment.  But I reckon I would be equally as foolish to not turn what may be a negative into a positive.
How long it may take, if ever, is up to me.  But I am a great one for taking what is useful from something and using that and putting aside what may be unfair or uninformed.  What matters to me is growth.  It is a reality that I do not have it all together – that my position does not reflect my potential.
As always, I am faced with a choice.  I can regail the statement of another, or perhaps even seek revenge, not based on its truth or otherwise, but based on just that it was said at all.  This though I reckon will cause me at best to spend my life chasing my tail.
On the other hand, I can choose to take the emotion out of something and assess it on what was said only.  If there is truth in anything said it matters to me that I make the necessary adjustments.  I may not like it, but I know it is good for me.  Anything said that was the way the other sees things and not the way it is, I like to put aside either forever of another day.
I know I am not there yet.  My position does not reflect my potential.  But I believe the two are drawing closer together, and everything is potentially a building block or a stumbling block.