Recognizing your worth and why you deserve to receive compliments will improve your mental health and aid in your thought process.

As human beings, we all desire to be appreciated and valued. Receiving compliments is one way we can feel good about ourselves and the things we do. However, for some people, receiving compliments can be challenging. They might feel embarrassed, shy, or unworthy of praise. But the truth is, we all deserve to receive compliments and know how to accept them graciously.

Being able to see yourself as worthy through your own eyes, allows you to live an authentic and purposeful life. When people are sincere with their compliments, you should feel excited about how they feel about you.

I recently was talking to a relative of mine and relayed a compliment to them. He acknowledged that he had received other compliments but said “I am not deserving of them.”  I told him, he was very deserving. We can not allow our past mistakes to hinder us from believing we are a good person. So let go of your past and read on to learn how to accept your value.

Here are some reasons why you are worthy of receiving compliments:

  1. You work hard: Whether it’s at work, school, or in your personal life, you put in effort to achieve your goals. It’s important to acknowledge the hard work you put in and feel proud of your accomplishments.
  2. You are kind: You may not always realize it, but your actions and words can impact others in a positive way. Kindness is a valuable trait, and you should be acknowledged for it.
  3. You are unique: There is no one else like you in the world. You have your own set of skills, talents, and qualities that make you who you are. Embrace your uniqueness and know that it’s worthy of recognition. Check out the Psych Alive article on accepting compliments. https://www.psychalive.org/the-importance-of-accepting-compliments/

How to receive compliments graciously:

  1. Say “Thank you”: The simplest and most effective way to receive a compliment is to say thank you. It shows that you appreciate the kind words and acknowledge the effort it took for someone to give you the compliment.
  2. Don’t deflect: Sometimes when we receive a compliment, we might feel embarrassed or uncomfortable, and our first instinct is to deflect it. For example, someone might say, “You did an excellent job on that project,” and you might respond with, “It wasn’t just me, the whole team worked hard.” While it’s good to recognize the efforts of others, it’s also important to acknowledge your own contributions.
  3. Smile: A smile can go a long way in showing your appreciation for a compliment. It conveys warmth and positivity and can make the person giving the compliment feel good as well.
  4. Be specific: If someone gives you a compliment about a particular aspect of your work or personality, take the time to acknowledge it. For example, if someone says, “You have a great sense of humor,” you could respond with, “Thank you, I really appreciate that you find my jokes funny.”
  5. Pay it forward: If you receive a compliment that inspires you or makes you feel good about yourself, consider giving a compliment to someone else. It can be a small gesture, but it can have a significant impact on someone’s day.
  6. Believe it: Finally, the most important part of receiving compliments graciously is to believe them. Don’t dismiss them or assume that the person is just being polite. Take the time to reflect on the compliment and let it boost your self-confidence.

In conclusion, receiving compliments is a natural and essential part of human interaction. It’s important to remember that we are all worthy of receiving compliments and know how to accept them graciously. By following the tips mentioned above, you can use them as a source of encouragement and motivation to achieve your goals.