I realized at yoga class this morning that quite often my immediate reaction to receiving a compliment or positive feedback is to think of something self deprecating to counteract it.
After a VERY intensive and kick-ass 1.5 hours of yoga, the yoga instructor (whom I have not worked with before) said to me "you're so limber." The thought that popped into my head to respond was "thanks,but I make up for that by having the worst balance in the world." I was able to catch myself, and instead I just thanked her. I know there are other examples when I haven't caught myself, and rather than just accepting the compliment, I have pointed out a weakness that serves to undermine the compliment.
This is lame. Why do I do that? I am going to make a conscious effort to learn to graciously accept a compliment. This begins with learning to say thank you instead of making some dumb remark. Eventually it would be nice to train myself to not even let those self-criticizing thoughts into my head, but one step at a time.
Incidentally, my body is very sore after my limber tricks this morning.
2 comments:
It's probably our Norwegian upbringing - Yante Law and all. I have learned over the years, as you are doing. Just smile and say thank you. It's easy to be gracious.
In retrospect, I think it's Jante, but I think you know what I mean.
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