Leaning Into A Compliment
It’s funny how we see ourselves so differently than how other people see us. Or how a complete stranger can give you a compliment that hits a very deep and true place. In the moment that we receive the compliment we are full of energy and pleasure. Our confidence increases — we feel like we can do anything.
But how quickly we forget. It’s just moments later when our own insecurities come up again, rear their ugly heads and throw us back into a place of indecision, procrastination or resistance. But what would happen if we could remember those compliments and bring ourselves back to the energy of what it felt like in that moment?
I remember one such moment — it was during a large business event in the second year of my business. I was feeling young, shy and overlooked by just about everyone. I decided to collect myself by sitting in the corner for a few minutes alone. One of my colleagues approached me. She was in her 60s and I in my 30s. We didn’t know each other very well at the time. She took one look at me and said, “You will go far. You are smart and you shine so bright. Never underestimate yourself.” For whatever reason — that moment of affirmation was all that I needed to pick myself up and have a great event. I’ve remembered her words over and over again in moments of fear and doubt.
Leaning into a past compliment can be the very thing we need most to remember who we truly are. Think back to the best compliments you’ve ever been given. Write them down below.
For a gold star — drop a note in the mail to them to let them know what they said, when they said it, and how it affected your life then and now.
Person:
What did they say?
Person:
What did they say:
Person:
What did they say:
Do you believe their compliments? How could you believe them more?
Leave me a comment below and let me know how receiving a compliment help you move forward.
Photo: flickr, tara
