Take compliments better to boost your self-esteem
Watch the full Unfiltered interview with award-winning motivational speaker Jaz Ampaw-Farr on how to stop being a people-pleaser, how to reframe self-care as an unselfish act and how to outfox toxic colleagues in the workplace.
In today’s competitive, achievement-obsessed society, many people fall into the habit of self-deprecation, particularly when receiving compliments.
As motivational speaker and leadership coach Jaz Ampaw-Farr explains, this automatic response often stems from a deep-seated discomfort with praise, rooted in fear of appearing arrogant or a belief that they are not genuinely deserving of positive feedback. While modesty can be a virtue, excessive self-deprecation can be incredibly damaging.
Firstly, this behaviour chips away at self-esteem. When you consistently downplay your accomplishments, you reinforce negative self-perceptions and hinder your ability to internalise positive aspects of yourself. Over time, this can lead to a diminished sense of self-worth and confidence.
Self-deprecation can impact your relationships with others. When someone offers a compliment, they are extending a gesture of kindness and recognition. By dismissing or deflecting their praise, you inadvertently reject their positive sentiment, which can make them feel undervalued and less inclined to offer compliments in the future. This can create a barrier in communication and weaken social bonds.
And as Jaz reveals in our exclusive Unfiltered conversation, self-deprecating responses can set a negative example, particularly when given in front of younger and more impressionable people, especially children, where they can perpetuate a damaging mindset where modesty is confused with self-doubt, discouraging others from embracing their achievements and undermining collective morale.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for fostering healthier interactions and a more positive self-image. Take on Jaz’s life-changing advice and learn to accept compliments graciously, and then you discover the power of enhancing your self-esteem, strengthening your relationships, and fostering to a more supportive and empowering environment.
