Just Say ‘Thank you!’ Receiving Compliments With Poise

Historically, women have been taught to be modest, and not boastful. The problem is, lots of women take the modesty road too far – to the point of devaluing themselves and their talents. While I’m not advocating becoming an out and out braggart, it is important to stand tall in your strengths and accomplishments and be your own best advocate.

All too often, I see women downplaying themselves when it comes to receiving compliments. I cringe when I hear someone deflecting a compliment by minimizing her success or pointing to someone else for the job well done.

Saying ‘thank you’ to a compliment is far from arrogant – it’s gracious – and it leaves you, as well as the one who compliments you, feeling wonderful. Think of a compliment as a gift the giver would love to see well received.

One of my favorite quotes about standing tall in your own success comes from author, Marianne Williamson and her book ‘A Return To Love’:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won’t feel insecure around you. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

So go out there and let your light shine, and when you are recognized and appreciated, say thank you!