You can recognize yourself in a mistake more readily than in a compliment.

REFLECTION

WHAT THIS MEANS

Criticism fits the self-image more easily than praise. A mistake confirms something you already suspected, so it slots in without resistance, while a compliment has to be argued with, qualified, or attributed to luck. Recognition of your faults feels like insight, and recognition of your qualities feels like an error you should correct.

When someone praises you, try accepting it without adding a qualification. Just thank them. It is a small discipline and it slowly changes what you are able to believe about yourself.

A QUESTION TO SIT WITH

Which praise about you feels harder to accept than criticism?

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