When Is It Okay to Brag? When It's Not Bragging

We've been taught from a young age not to brag. It's not polite. It's not what we do. (You know this one, right?)

At a personal development retreat several years ago, everyone in the group was asked to talk about themselves, their awards, their accomplishments. I literally couldn't do it. I was so blocked from bragging because of years of being told, "We don't do that." (Low self-esteem at the time also probably played a part.)

The facilitator (who later became one of my mentors), asked me what I wanted to do in life. I told him I wanted to help others.

And then he turned the tables on me and said, "So how does NOT telling anyone what you've experienced, what you've learned, what you've accomplished--how does that help anyone else? How can others know how you can help them if they don't know what you've done and what you can do?"

How does that serve you and how does that serve others?

I now incorporate this exercise into my workshops. People are asked to talk about themselves in front of others--what they honor and respect about themselves.

I've had people tell me it's one of the hardest things they've done. When I ask why, they say it's because they're taught not to brag.

"Be humble!" "Don't talk about yourself!"

But the bottom line is this...

If you want to help others, if you want to serve at the highest level, if you want to be authentically you, you have to let others know what you've done and what you can do so that you can help them. You have to talk about who you are and what you've done.

The key is to change the mindset from "bragging" to "honoring your experience" so that you can help others.

The difference is coming from your heart, not your head.

It's a subtle shift in thinking that will gain you major changes. If you want to recharge your career, reenergize your life, and rekindle your spirit, the process involves shifting the way you think--which in turn shifts the way you act and how you become. If you have questions or would like to chat more about this, feel free to post below or send me a private message.

Cheering for you!