While catching up over coffee with an old friend, I was asked about my new career path after a significant transition a few years ago. I’ve dedicated myself to building a reputation, and at last, I’m beginning to see the fruits of my labor. My friend was thrilled to hear about my recent promotion, wrapping me in a warm hug. But instead of reveling in the moment, I found myself downplaying my accomplishments with a dismissive, “Oh, it’s not that big of a deal.” After a brief discussion about my job, we shifted to other subjects, all while I internally reflected on my response.
Why was it so challenging for me to embrace my victories? Why couldn’t I just shout, “Absolutely! Let’s celebrate! I’m proud of what I’ve achieved!”? I’ve poured countless hours into developing my skills, often sacrificing time with my family and personal life. I fought hard to be recognized in a competitive field, and I know I excel at what I do. I deserve to accept the compliments I receive, yet I consistently hesitate.
Each time I achieve a goal, I quietly congratulate myself, but when others recognize my success, I struggle to accept it graciously. I worry that acknowledging my accomplishments might come off as bragging. Surely, nobody wants to be known as a humblebragger, right?
I know I’m not alone in this. I’ve observed many women deflecting praise daily. Whether at work or in their roles as mothers, we often downplay our successes, conditioned to be self-deprecating. I see it in the mother who meticulously organizes a school event but quickly attributes her success to others. I notice it in the successful author who hesitates to promote her best-selling book, attributing its success to her agency’s marketing efforts. I see it in the mom whose well-behaved children are dismissed with a casual, “You should have seen them earlier!”
Ladies, we are all powerful forces, making significant strides every day. We tackle challenges — from managing unruly toddlers to navigating demanding workplaces — yet we often fail to acknowledge our achievements. When will we recognize that we are incredible at what we do? When will we allow ourselves to appreciate that we nurture children and build meaningful careers with our talents?
The time for this recognition is now. We must stop apologizing for our success. It’s essential to stop minimizing our hard work. If you compliment a woman and she downplays her achievements, encourage her to own her greatness. Remind her that she deserves to be proud. If we vocalize our accomplishments regularly, we will begin to believe in our worth and command respect from those around us.
Being a mother is a monumental task, filled with unrecognized effort and love. It’s tough work — ensuring our children grow up well and healthy while juggling daily responsibilities. Being a successful professional means confronting gender inequality and breaking through barriers in the workplace, all while managing personal challenges.
We are extraordinary, and when we receive compliments, we deserve to accept them wholeheartedly. So, when someone acknowledges your hard work, don’t shy away. Say “thank you” and take pride in your journey. Share the effort it took to reach your goals. Declare with confidence, “Yes, I did this!”
Stop what you’re doing and affirm: “I am amazing” — because you truly are, and remarkable individuals never apologize for their accomplishments.
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Summary:
In this article, we explore the importance of embracing and celebrating personal achievements, especially among women. We often downplay our successes out of fear of coming across as boastful. However, it’s crucial to accept compliments and take pride in our hard work, whether as mothers or professionals. By encouraging each other and vocalizing our accomplishments, we can foster self-confidence and assert our worth.