Reframing Compliments
Why You Should Never Interrupt
There is a true grace to accepting compliments. Whether it's a kind word about your appearance or a colleague praising a job well done, most of us struggle to accept positive acknowledgments. Some of us even bat them away suspiciously, like skilled goalies, never allowing ourselves the opportunity to soak in the praise.
I used to be a masterful blocker of praise, wary of its sincerity and quick to insert a self-deprecating comment. One day, after dodging yet another compliment, a colleague gently called me out: "Andrea, please take in what I just said. Hear it and stand in it. You are worthy of praise."
He was right. When I finally allowed his generous offering to land, it felt wonderful—like a joyous sprinkle of confetti. My mother, who collects compliments like cherished trophies, has always told me: "When someone is giving you a compliment, NEVER interrupt."
So here's my gift to you—a simple structure for the next time you're fortunate enough to receive a compliment:
The Three-Step Process
🤲 Give the praise a safe place to land by saying a simple, "Thank you!"
💫 Receive the praise by allowing the awe of gratitude to flow over you.
✨ Celebrate yourself for shining your light out into the world.
Reframe Your Perspective
But here's where it gets interesting. Compliments aren't just feel-good moments—they're mirrors reflecting back the light you're offering the world. Try these reframes:
💡Compliments give us information about what is working and how we are seen in the world.
THINK: What does this praise tell me about what others see in me that I may not see in myself?
💡Compliments reveal insights about the preferences and values of the person giving the feedback.
CONSIDER: What might their compliment tell you about what they value?
REFLECT: Is there something specific you could ask them that would give you even more useful insight?
When someone offers you praise, stop and allow the generous observation to sink in. This is you shining your light out into the world. Embracing recognition is proof that others see the gifts you have brought into this world. It's this symbiotic exchange that conjures generosity, receptiveness, and community—things that make our world kinder and just a little bit brighter. All that's needed in return is a simple, "Thank you."
Now go accept some praise,
✨Andrea
Chief Reframing Officer @ Beyond the Reframe
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