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Why receiving praise matters

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There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up. But sometimes, the greater act of courage is allowing ourselves to be lifted.
- Maya Angelou

Perhaps you’ve been in this scenario. You gave a presentation at work, and a colleague told you how good it was. You spent days preparing for it, but all you can think of at the time is to explain all the points you missed or how it could have gone better. As you hear their words, You are already crafting a response that goes something like this:

"Oh, it was nothing,"
"I just got lucky."
”It’s no big deal.”

Does this happen to you, or is it just me? Why do we want to dismiss praise as untrue instead of accepting it?

I think this pattern runs deeper than mere modesty. When we brush off compliments, we're not just being humble — we're actively refusing to acknowledge our own worth. It's like having someone hand you a beautifully wrapped gift, and you toss it directly into a furnace. Essentially, we’re robbing the compliment giver of the satisfaction of giving the gift they want us to have. The irony is that in our attempt to appear humble, we diminish the giver's genuine expression and limit our own opportunity for growth.

My shift began when I treated compliments as moments of connection with others rather than moments of self-judgment. Each praise became an opportunity to stand firmly in my accomplishments while honoring the person who took the time to notice them.

This simple act of accepting praise creates ripples far beyond the moment itself. When we allow ourselves to receive appreciation, we:

• Connect with others

• Improve our self-worth through external validation

• Build a positive environment around us

Whenever we accept a compliment with grace, we tell ourselves: "Yes, I am worthy of this recognition." That can change your life. Here are some ways you can get better at accepting compliments:

• Practice the pause: When receiving a compliment, take a breath before responding. Let the words land.

• Say these two words every time: “Thank you.” For bonus points, you can add, “It means so much for you to share this with me.”

• Pay it forward: When you notice someone doing something well, tell them directly and clearly what it was. Bring positivity with you wherever you go.

Remember, accepting compliments isn't about being falsely humble or egotistical – it's about honoring the giver's perspective and your own worth. The next time someone offers you praise, try accepting it as the gift it truly is. You might be surprised how this shift can transform your relationship with yourself and those around you.

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