Many women in business have a difficult time “bragging.” When going for the next big account or job, it is important to give yourself permission to talk with pride about your accomplishments. You’ll want to read this article and watch the video before your next business presentation. Be sure to turn up your speakers.
I remember when I was growing up and I’d be so excited to share something I was proud of accomplishing or an honor that I had received. When I shared my excitement with relatives around the Sunday dinner table, I was generally met with a comment like, “Big on yourself, aren’t you?” After a few comments like that, I learned to keep my excitement to myself and downplay my accomplishments. Eventually I became conditioned and when someone would give me a compliment I’d say something like, “It was no big deal, if I can do it then anyone can do it.”
To become successful in business, we have to self-confidently speak and write about why we’re good at what we do. We have to self-confidently tell potential clients, customers and employers how we stand apart and above the crowd. In other words, we have to “brag” on ourselves.
There is a difference between bragging and speaking the truth about our talents and skills. Here’s my take on bragging: If you are speaking boastfully only to gain attention and are coming from a place of arrogance and self-centeredness, then you are bragging. If you are speaking truthfully about something for which you are sincerely proud, that’s not bragging.
Appreciating and accepting your accomplishments from a place of empowerment helps to nurture healthy self-esteem, self-worth and self-confidence. There is self-respect in acknowledging that you do things well. You are giving yourself permission to appreciate a job well done. There is a difference between telling the truth and arrogantly bragging.
Appreciating and accepting your accomplishments from a place of self-confidence and self-empowerment reinforces the belief you have in yourself as a worthwhile and competent person and professional.
It’s not bragging when you fill out that resume with pride and confidence. It’s not bragging when you write your “About Me” page with the knowledge that you have something of importance to offer your readers. It’s not bragging to take pride in your accomplishments – it’s called doing business from a place of accomplishment and self-respect.
The next time you are asked what you do, you have my permission to hold your head up high and look that person right in the eye and “brag” on yourself!
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