Accepting a compliment isn’t bragging. It’s just agreeing with the facts.

Deflecting praise looks like modesty and works like a correction. You are telling someone their observation was wrong, which leaves them slightly awkward and leaves you unable to hear anything good about yourself. Saying thank you is not a claim of greatness. It is confirmation that you heard them.

Take the next one whole. Two words, no explanation of how much luck was involved, no pointing out the flaw they missed. It feels exposed for about a second, and then it is over, and it is easier for both of you.