Welcome Acknowledgment: How to Receive Appreciation with Ease
Introduction
Do you find yourself struggling to accept acknowledgment, appreciation, or a compliments Are you often at a loss for words when someone praises your efforts? I used to be one of those people who would say, “It was nothing.” Why? Because in my head I heard my father yelling, “Who do you think you are?” and “Don’t get too big headed!” But over the years I learned to receive with grace and welcome acknowledgment.
Here we’ll explore the reasons behind the reluctance to receive acknowledgment and provide insights on how to graciously accept compliments. Whether it’s overdone humility, negative self-talk or past experiences, learning to embrace acknowledgment is an essential step toward building self-worth and fostering positive connections.
Understanding the Reasons for Acknowledgment Embarrassement
Overdone Humility
Many of us have been taught that humility is a virtue and it is if not overdone. Overdone humility involves excessive self-deprecation, and instead of gracefully accepting the compliment, you downplay your achievements to an extreme degree. Overdone humility can create the impression that you are incompetent, leave the person complimenting you feeling awkward or unsure, and may sabotage an opportunity for a mutually supportive relationship.
Negative Self-Talk
Many individuals find it challenging to accept acknowledgment due to negative self-perception. Negative self-talk becomes familiar, leading to thoughts such as “I don’t deserve this,” “Who am I to be acknowledged,” or “I’m not really worthy.” If you recognize these patterns in your thinking, it’s crucial to consider seeking professional guidance, especially if it stems from past verbal or emotional abuse. Acknowledging the root cause is crucial to positive change.
Catch Your Self-Talk: Identifying and Changing Automatic Responses
The first step to change a pattern of rejecting a positive comment is to catch your automatic rejection line. Here is a list to consider:
- “Oh, it was really no big deal.”
- “I just did what anyone would have done.”
- “No need to thank me, it was a team effort.”
- “It’s really not worth mentioning.”
- “I just did my part.”
- “Don’t mention it, I’m happy to help.”
- “It was the least I could do.”
- “Oh, it’s really no trouble at all.”
- “I didn’t do anything special.”
- “No need to make a fuss, I’m glad I could assist.”
- “It’s really not a big deal, honestly.”
- “I was just in the right place at the right time.”
- “Anyone would have done the same.”
- “Oh, you’re too kind, but it was really nothing.”
- “No need to praise me, I was just doing what felt right.”
- “It’s just part of being a good friend/colleague.”
- “I didn’t expect any recognition; I was just doing my job.”
- “There’s no need for thanks, I was happy to contribute.”
- “I appreciate your kind words, but it was really just a small effort.”
- “It’s all good, really—no need to mention it.”
Why Welcome Acknowledgment?
When we welcome acknowledgement we do ourselves and others a favour. Doing so enhances self-esteem and self-worth by affirming our abilities and contributions. It creates a positive exchange of energy between individuals and promotes a supportive and uplifting connection. When we reject someone’s gift of acknowledgement it can strain the relationship as if saying, “You are wrong!”
Encourage Positive Communication
Responding graciously to compliments fosters open and positive dialogue, making relationships more enjoyable and constructive. When appropriate, we can acknowledge the efforts of others, perhaps our team, friends, or family in shared successes. All of this helps build an atmosphere of gratitude, appreciation, and a positive feedback loop.
How to Welcome Acknowledgment
Regardless of the origin of your reluctance, the key is to learn how to welcome acknowledgment and receive it with grace. To help with this process, consider practicing these gracious responses:
Express Gratitude:
- “Thank you so much for your kind words.”
- “I appreciate your acknowledgment.”
- “Your compliment means a lot to me.”
Of note is the good work of Canadian speaker, Steve Foran at Gratitude at Work.
Accept Compliments:
- “I’m grateful for your recognition.”
- “I’m glad my efforts are noticed.”
- “It warms my heart to hear that.”
Acknowledge Others:
- “I couldn’t have done it without the support of my partner.”
- “This accomplishment is a collective effort.”
- “I’m fortunate to work with such amazing people.”
Recognizing Personal Growth:
- “I’ve been working hard on improving, so your acknowledgment motivates me.”
- “I’m learning and growing, and I appreciate your encouragement.”
- “It’s encouraging to see my efforts recognized.”
If you don’t remember any of these options you can always say a simple Thank you. As the German philosopher Meister Eckhart once said,
If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.
Of course it is also rewarding to practice the social intelligence practice of giving acknowledgement and appreciation. Giving and receiving creates mutually satisfying relationships.
Conclusion:
Embracing acknowledgment is a powerful step toward building self-esteem and fostering positive connections. By understanding the reasons behind your reluctance, challenging negative self-talk, and adopting gracious responses, you can transform the way you receive compliments. Learning to welcome acknowledgment is not only a gift to yourself but also an invitation for positive energy and positive relationships.
Please check out these related posts:
- People Boost with Acknowledgement, Appreciation and Encouragement
- Help Build Resilience in Others: Be a People Booster
