One of the most difficult things to do in life is to take a compliment.
What the hell are you supposed to say?
“Thank you.”
“I know.”
“You’re too kind”
“Oh stop it, you”
What’s worse is when someone asks you to talk about something you are proud of, or pay yourself a compliment.
Holy moly, talk about digging deep into the insecurities, right?
I’m a fairly confident fellow, but ask me to talk about something I’m proud of, and all of a sudden I shut like a clam.
The chasm is too wide
No matter what I accomplish it seems that the next goal is all that matters and hence the previous accomplishments feel muted, as if now that it is accomplished, it is silly to boast about it.
Similar to practicing gratitude, acknowledging your own accomplishments is undeniably healthy. There are more than enough critics and negative forces in this world pushing us down if we let it. So why then is it so difficult? Why are the inner critics so damn loud?
When you get punched in the face, you are confronted by physical pain and the anticipation of the struggle to follow. To be asked to love and acknowledge yourself is the same, though you’re more likely to keep all of your teeth.