Notice which compliment you instantly argue with. That’s the part of you that still needs convincing.

The praise you contradict instantly has landed on a sore spot. Agreement comes easily when a compliment matches how you already see yourself, so the reflexive denial appears exactly where the picture does not match, which makes it a reliable map of what you still do not believe. The speed of the denial is the informative part.

Next time you catch yourself deflecting, say thank you and stop there, even if it feels slightly dishonest. Later, write down what was said and ask what evidence actually supports it. Let somebody else’s view of you count for something.