Recognising achievements is not boasting

I have spent a large part of the last 30 years feeling guilty about being good at things.

I have denied myself the elation that should go with accomplishing a large range of things that others only dream about.

I have been ostracised for my successes and my achievements have been belittled.

This has led to my feeling uncomfortable about sharing ideas or excelling at something.

When coaching individuals or groups, I typically begin by encouraging clients and participants to reflect on their achievements and to celebrate their successes.  Then to use this information and the emotion it carries to motivate them in their quest to be intentional about what they choose to do and intentional about doing it.  And sometimes that means sharing it.

I AM NOT encouraging boasting, embellishing or lying.  I AM dissuading false humility.

Recently, I wrote a post about humility, stating that it is not about playing down our achievements.

I have decided that as 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to take my own advice.

I can’t control how others treat me, but I can manage my response and behaviour.

My key new year’s resolution is that I am not going to beat myself up for standing out.

I am going to acknowledge my strengths and relish in my triumphs.

I am not going to let what appears to be a desire for egalitarianism or modesty discourage me from striving for future achievements.

If you read my previous post about NY resolutions, it indicated that research shows that only 8% of resolutions are kept.

I am determined not to be part of the 92% that fail.  I certainly plan to make it past the date of 12 January when the majority are broken.

As we move into 2025, do you need to rethink your attitude to success or humility?

Perhaps, like me, you need to embrace your strengths and accomplishments and use them to strive for even greater things?

Perhaps you are someone that has resented or criticised the successes of others without recognising the harm that you have caused?

If you’d like to make a resolution to do it differently in 2025, let me know.

If you’re not ready to make it public, that’s OK too.

About The Author

Glenda Mitchell

See author's posts

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• 
  Recognising achievements is not boasting
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  Chronological Snobbery
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  Staying Focused in 2025