Compliments can motivate or destabilize. For some, recognition reinforces effort; for others, it triggers self-sabotage — anxiety about expectations, discomfort with attention, or permission to relax effort. Know which you are.
If compliments destabilize, develop responses that acknowledge without derailing: “Thanks, I’m feeling good.” This companion covers positive and destabilizing responses, understanding sabotage, and strategies for each. (3 min read)
Written by AI, directed and approved by me. How this is made →