Why can’t I appreciate praise that’s sincerely given and legitimately deserved?
I went to see a dietician recently. I would imagine most folks who visit the dietician receive news they’d rather not hear and dread implementing the dietary changes suggested to them. Makes sense since many of us see eating the foods we love as an integral part of our lives.
The news I received? It was great. Liberal praise for the changes I’d made in my diet over the years. My dietician reviewed test results from a couple weeks ago and they were all positive. Most measures were exactly where they needed to be and the only two that weren’t were just slightly outside the recommended ranges.
I should be ecstatic, right?
It’s Never Good Enough
Nope, not at all. I mean I’m relieved by the test results, don’t get me wrong. But for someone with such good results, I still look in the mirror and say, “Still so much more to do and temptation has never been harder to overcome. What’s there to be happy about?”
Sounds like someone who takes things a little too seriously, huh?
Ironically, I actually see myself saying things like this as a good thing. Nose to the grindstone, never satisfied, always striving, looking for continual improvement – those are all good things, right? Well….
They can be but not giving myself credit for the great things I’ve done has taken its toll on my self-image. It’s not fun walking around believing nothing I do is ever good enough. After all, even if I’m not pleased with what I’ve achieved, there is someone who is very pleased.
The Lord gave me the strength and courage to change my diet and exercise more. He sent the Holy Spirit down to stand by me and help me see the truth about the lifestyle I was living. He delights in what I’ve done and I dare say he’s none too pleased when I fail to give myself some much needed props.
How I Give Depends on How I Receive
I’ve come to understand over the years that my inability to accept praise for the good things I do spills over into when, how much, and the way I praise others for their successes. I have to work very hard at praising other people. It doesn’t come easy and it’s difficult for me to understand and accept that some people love praise and really get motivated from it.
How can I continue to make progress? Seems the best way I know how is to keep what God calls us to do top of mind and practice every chance I get. He simply asks us to love one another as we love ourselves. When you love someone, don’t you want to tell them exactly what they mean to you? Isn’t praise for a job well done of the best ways to do that?
Pardon me, I’ve got to get back to work. I’ve got a whole lotta love to share…
God bless,
Question: When have you felt unworthy of praise you’ve received and how did you handle it? I’d love to read your story in the form of a comment below…