The Courage to Accept Honestly Is the First Step to Changing Yourself

—Is 'humility' keeping opportunities for growth at bay?—

Not 'denying' compliments is the starting point for changing yourself

“No, no, that’s not true.”
Don’t you reflexively respond like that when you are praised?

Humility has been considered a Japanese virtue, and when I thought it was the norm, I also felt confused when being praised.
But now, I can say it clearly.
Honestly accepting it with a 'thank you' is a major first step toward affirming yourself and leading to growth.

Humility stops 'dialogue' and 'growth'

Japanese people were raised in a culture where 'humility is politeness.'
Responding to someone’s praise with 'no, no' has likely become an unconscious habit.

But, please think about it for a moment.
That reaction actually contains these meanings.

• Denying the other person’s words (evaluation)

• Denying your own good qualities

• Stopping the chance to deepen the conversation

In other words,humility also becomes a hurdle in communication.

On the other hand, if you honestly accept it with a 'thank you' and reply with 'what did you see that made you think that?', your relationship with the other person will deepen significantly, and you can also notice your own strengths.
This is not just a matter of manners or emotions, but a theme that isdirectly linked to self-understanding and self-esteem.

The power of 'honesty' learned through being laid off

I have had the experience of being laid off by a company in the past.
At that time, it felt like I was being denied, and it was truly painful.
There was a period when I was deeply depressed, thinking, 'Maybe I have no value.'

At that time, there were words said to me by a representative from a job placement service.

“You have a sincere way of speaking, and your listening attitude is very good.”
“I think you should have more confidence.”

At first, I still replied with things like, 'That’s not true,' or 'No, it was just a coincidence.'
But that representative said this to me.

“Isn’t that becoming a habit? 'Humility' might be stopping your opportunities for growth.”

That one comment took me by surprise.
Humility is actually a way of denying the other person's words.
And it's putting a lid on my own potential—.

Since then, I've practiced accepting things honestly as much as possible.
Trying to say "thank you."
Replying with a smile, "I'm happy you said that."
It was embarrassing at first, but little by little, I started to think, "I have good qualities too."

As a result, my confidence returned, and my job search went well.
When you can acknowledge your own value, your ability to take action changes too.

Affirming yourself creates your future

In this day and age, I think "humility" is often more of a“habit of stopping your thinking”than a virtue.
Of course, there is no need to become arrogant.
But humility that only puts yourself down doesn't benefit anyone.

Saying "thank you" honestly.
Asking the person who praised you "what was good about it."
And from there, finding your strengths and the points you should develop.

I think that is“supporting yourself.”

I experienced being laid off and thought, "I have nothing."
But by slowly accepting the voices of those around me and acknowledging myself, my future began to move little by little.

Instead of "humility," be "honest."
Instead of "denial," have a "dialogue."

If you currently lack confidence or are the type who "gets confused when praised," please give this a try.

A self-reform that starts with "thank you."
That will surely make your tomorrow a little easier.

Let's support ourselves! Let's do it!
Liturgie