This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, unpacks a surprising truth: praise, awards, and public recognition don’t always feel good to first responders (Amazon Affiliate).


While many people assume medals and compliments bring pride, for those in uniform they can sometimes trigger discomfort, guilt, or even resentment. We explore the psychology behind this paradox—and how to accept recognition in a healthy way without feeling like you’re betraying your values.


1. Why Praise Can Feel Uncomfortable

First responders often see their actions as “just doing the job,” not something special.

Public praise can feel undeserved when you know how much was lost or how many others were involved.


2. The Guilt-Recognition Conflict

Recognition sometimes resurfaces memories of traumatic calls or fallen colleagues.

Officers may feel like accepting praise dishonors those who didn’t survive.


3. The Culture of Humility and Stoicism

First responder culture often discourages showing pride or seeking attention.

Praise can clash with the deeply ingrained mindset of selfless service.


4. How This Affects Mental Health

Dismissing or deflecting praise can reinforce feelings of isolation and low self-worth.

Refusing to internalize recognition contributes to burnout and emotional exhaustion.


5. Healthier Ways to Receive Praise

Acknowledge the emotion without minimizing it (“It was hard, and I did my best”).

Redirect praise to the whole team without rejecting it entirely.

Talk about the discomfort—normalize it among peers to reduce shame.

Use praise as a reminder of impact, not perfection.

Keep perspective: accepting recognition doesn’t mean seeking it.


🎯 Why This Episode Matters:
Recognition is meant to honor the sacrifice and commitment behind the badge—but if it feels heavy instead of uplifting, you’re not alone. This episode helps reframe praise as a moment of acknowledgment, not expectation.


🎙️ Tune in now to learn how to let praise land without letting it weigh you down.

💥 Gear We Recommend for Our First Responder Community:
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💬 Listener Question:
What’s one small act of service you can do today to honor someone who served? Let us know in the Facebook group or DM us on Instagram!

Disclaimer:
All viewpoints discussed in this episode are for entertainment purposes only and reflect our personal opinions based on our own experiences, background, and education.

🎙️ Want to be a guest on Tactical Living?
Send a message to Ashlie Walton on PodMatch → Click here

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