How To Take A Compliment When Coming Of The Mat
I don't know about the rest of the world but here is Australia, we are not very good a taking a complement. Of course it doesn't help that a complement can be delivered in a negative format. It's normal to be self-defecating in response to one, so I think it is safe to say that most Australian don't know how to take a compliment. |
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It is not unusual to come off the mat from a contest, have someone complement you about something you did and to be dismissive of it. After all you have just been involved in a conflict situation it seems normal to be conflicted.
This is not something that is considered offensive in anyway as it is culturally acceptable. But I wonder at the wisdom of always doing this.
I was confronted with this just the other day, when I was give a very nice complement at work. My immediate response was to be dismissive. Fortunately I caught myself before I said anything and corrected both my tone and words.
But it Is Not A Problem Culturally
Why would I do this if it is not a problem culturally? Because it was an experiment. I had just been reading the 30 skill challenge by Kidpower and I wanted to see if it would be effective in the Australian context.It is the first challenge and it is "Build Confidence By Taking In Compliments". I figured if it worked in my context, it would be worthwhile using it with my students and other children I know.
The neat thing about it was the delight I got, when I saw the delight in eyes of the one who gave the complement. I was quite surprised just how much of a boost it gave both of us, just simply by me taking a complement as a complement.
It seem almost funny that such a simple thing could do so much.
Try it!
All you have to do is put your hands on your heart and say "thank you". Fellow Australians might find it a bit uncomfortable at first but trust me it is worth it.Sensai
Richard
