How do you react when you do something well? What's more, how do you handle it when someone compliments you for something they admire about you? If you're like some, you may not know what to do in those situations. You don't want to appear proud or egocentric, so you actually may minimize your strengths and achievements in your eyes and in the eyes of others. This may seem spiritual or noble, but it's actually detrimental to your ongoing development and growth!
What should you do when you succeed or receive a compliment? I'm glad you asked. For the answer, however, you will have to read on.
A BIG HEAD
We have looked at the story of David and Goliath the last two weeks. (If you didn't read or receive those Memos, you may want to go the site where they are posted and get caught up.) Last week, we saw how David made specific declarations of what he was about to do to Goliath. David made good on his promises and killed Goliath with one stone from his slingshot. It's what he did next that answers the questions I raised above.
David cut off Goliath's head! That was one big head not only to cut off but also to carry around.
The armies of Israel were encouraged by David's victory, and went forth to win a great victory over the Philistine army. That was one byproduct of David's success. Then David did something else that would be quite uncharacteristic for many I know"
David took the Philistine's head and brought it to Jerusalem, and he put the Philistine's weapons in his own tent (1 Samuel 17:54).
What did David do with the head? I doubt if he kept it in his tent or made a keychain out of it. He did what most champions did with such spoils of battle. David probably hung the head on a post for everyone to see. David celebrated his own victory and advertised his achievement! What's more, he kept a souvenir of the battle by keeping the giant's sword in his trophy case.
How does that answer the question of what to do when you achieve success? How does this give you insight into how you should respond when you receive a compliment?
DON'T WORRY THAT A BIG HEAD WILL GIVE YOU A BIG HEAD.
David celebrated his victory. He wanted people to see Goliath's head so that they would be encouraged to fight their own battles. As a good leader, David wanted the people to see that they didn't have to cower in fear. More importantly, David didn't minimize his success. He didn't say, "Well, it was nothing. You know, it was a lucky shot and God really did it, it wasn't me."
No. David said, "Look what I've done. What can you do? If this is what God helped me do, what will He help you do?" That's what you need to do as well.
If someone compliments you on something you've done or for something you are, say, "Thank you." Don't push their praise away.
If you have done something and no one compliments you, then compliment yourself! Admire what you've done.Savor the moment, without being self-conscious or worrying about what others will think of you. If you achieve a goal for which you have worked hard, throw yourself a party and invite your friends to celebrate with you. Take a trip in honor of your new job, degree or completed project.
David knew how to celebrate his victories and use them to spur himself and others on to greater things. You and I need to do the same. Don't worry about a big head; there will be enough tough knocks and challenges to keep your feet firmly planted in reality. When you do something great, however, don't be afraid to acknowledge that, well, that it was great! And if others acknowledge that as well, then it is all the better.
This whole process may help you see that you may not be afraid of failure, but afraid of success - of what you will do if and when you succeed! Can you handle success and the admiration of others? I hope you will learn to broadcast your victories rather than hide behind mediocrity so that no one is offended and you aren't uncomfortable. Aim for great things, do them and tell the world if others don't. Have a great week!
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KENYA UPDATE: My next trip to Kenya is three weeks away. I need your help so we can help as many as possible while we are there. Please read this latest post and then give generously and quickly, for time is growing short. You can give through my website or by sending a tax-deductible check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 8882, Pittsburgh, PA 15221-0882. Your gifts will help feed and educate a boy such as the one pictured here. Thank you in advance for your generous support.
MY RADIO: Did you know I upload all my Saturday radio shows to my website after they are completed? You can listen to any of them here. Also I have a slew of archived interviews from my Tuesday show Ministry Beat and others archived from my Friday show Leadership Talk. Soon I will start a new Wednesday show called Urban Heroes.
ALASKA CRUISE: I took a Caribbean cruise over New Year's and I am ready to take you on an Alaskan cruise this coming August! I think a cruise is the ideal vacation, with something for everyone to do whenever they want to do it. I am attaching the cruise brochure below - take a look and then put your deposit down on the vacation of a lifetime.
NEW DAILY DEVOTIONAL: This year I started a new daily devotional entitled The Leadership Walk. You can view it and sign up to receive it on my blog site. You can also read a quick overview of the format and objectives here.
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