Handling praise

A job well done, is a reward in itself.

You know when you have done a good job. You know when you have given your best. It need not be perfect, but it's the most perfect it can be done with who you are, and what you know today. That's enough. Do not look for external approval.

However, when you do a good job, it will be noticed. Many people will like it, some will be threatened by it, and few will be offended by it. Sometimes, you will receive praise or criticism - and it is not always an indication of the feeling they had. You cannot control what other people say, you can only control how you feel and respond to it.

Let's talk about praise.

The words of praise are like the leaves falling from a tree in autumn.

You are allowed to take joy from it, but like the falling leaves, let its impact on your life be minimal.

Sometimes, praise can be useful, but only when you separate yourself from what you are being praised for. If you get praised for singing well, then it is validating your efforts spent to practice and be good at singing. Praise can be useful if you consider it as pep talk, or as a confidence booster.

Do not let praise stroke your ego. It is a slippery slope into false pride and over-confidence.

Be especially wary of generic praise. "You are so smart" doesn't help you in anyway. Praise like this can be used to manipulate you.

If you are not sure about how to handle the praise you receive, the best you can do is to treat it with indifference. It does not matter.