This is the season of year-end performance review. As I conduct performance reviews for my team and receive my own, I reflected upon my inner journey in receiving feedback.

Growing up, I learned to brush off praises and compliments. Perhaps, it was childhood conditioning where my mom would say

“Aiyo, she’s not smart la. Your daughter is better, so disciplined, so smart.”

I internalized that as: ? ?? ??? ???? ??????. ?? ????????, ??? ???? ???? ??????. ????? ?????? ???? ?? ????????.

Whenever I had any achievement, I would say “? ????? ℎ??? ???? ??????.”

When others complimented me, my reflex is - “ℎ?ℎ?, ?? ??. ??’? ???ℎ???.”

I would brush off any idea that I did a positive job and focus on what could be better. I want to, yet I resisted acknowledging my achievements or valuable qualities. It is as though it wasn’t right if I gave myself even a moment to feel positive about it. As though, I don’t deserve it.

I felt held back, regardless of how much I have done or achieved. Deep down, I resisted acknowledging myself because I was afraid .



I was afraid that this will mean that I have stopped being humble and will not improve anymore. It was tiring.

One day, I went to a workshop and there, I learned to choose a more empowering thought:

“I can acknowledge my progress AND be better”

Yes! It wasn’t mutually exclusive. I do not have to disregard my progress or achievement. I can hold them in my heart and bring them along as I move forward. I started practicing allowing myself to acknowledge my progress. It wasn’t easy to feel that I deserve it.

I used to only believe the performance improvement feedback and would feel awkward if I hear positive feedback. Now, I learn to say thank you . I spend more time celebrating success and I gained more confidence in what I am doing. I feel ???ℎ???.

Allow yourself to acknowledge the journey you have made and accept the positive feedback you receive. Instead of brushing it off, allow it to land within you.

I am interested to know, ???? ?? ??? ???????? ???????? ???? ??? ???????? ??? ????? ???? ?? ????? ?????????

📌 Do You Brush Off Positive Feedback Or Say “thank You”? Nalhati
🏢 Towards Joy
📍 Nalhati