Criticism is good. Or more precisely. Advice.
It helps you to understand what to focus on and enables you to build up confidence in your ability.
I know of many composers and song writers, including myself, that listen to advice from others, whether professionals or just ‘fans’ of other music.
It helps you to better understand what direction to take your music and how to present it to others.
Most times, the simpler the song, the better.
Look at all the one or two chord songs that are out there and you begin to understand that simplicity is the best road.
I used to write songs starting with the music first.
Then I changed and started writing poems or prose and then set it to music.
Each way has it’s own advantages and disadvantages.
But for me, writing the words first helps me to see which direction the music should go.
“this song won honorable mention in the Billboard World Song Contest.”
That’s an encouraging sign.
Just keep going!
Actually, all the most popular tunes seem to have the same four chords.