Take Everything as a Compliment

This phrase wasn’t just a clever quip I recall hearing from a mentor. It was a challenge. A mindset. A practice of choosing positivity when faced with comments that might otherwise sting. Luci Swindoll was a beloved executive, author, and speaker with a knack for humor. She invested decades in encouraging people to embrace life’s quirks and criticisms with grace and gratitude.

If you’re on a trip and someone comments, ‘Wow! Your suitcase is really heavy,’ she’d advise never to feel embarrassed or defensive. Instead, see the positive, reframe it, and take it as a compliment: “You’re ready for any adventure!” This perspective isn’t about ignoring feedback or brushing off criticism. It’s about filtering, finding the good, and refusing to let negativity take root.

Here are a couple of other examples where you might practice this approach:

• “You ask a lot of questions.” Instead of feeling self-conscious, recognize the observation as a nod to your curiosity and desire to understand the task entirely. You’re engaged and invested, which good leaders and collaborators value.

• “You’re so detail-oriented.” It’s easy to hear this as code for “you’re nitpicky” or “you overthink things.” But flip it: it means you care about quality, pay attention, and ensure the work is exemplary. That’s a gift, not a flaw.

Luci’s words remind us that we can choose how we interpret the world. By choosing positivity, we not only protect our mindset—we set an example for others to follow.

So, pause the next time you hear something that could bring you down. Think of Luci. And take it as a compliment.

Photo by Madeleine Kohler on Unsplash