Should you downplay your success? In a world of social media, this seems like an odd question doesn’t it? It seems as though everyone is showing “everything” nowadays, therefore, talking about your success shouldn’t be seen as a bad thing. I can’t speak for men, but I know a few women have mentioned to me that they feel uncomfortable talking about their accomplishments. Unfortunately, they find themselves talking-down what they’re doing as if it’s nothing. In addition, they struggle with finding a partner who wants a woman who is successful; driven.
What is humility?
The word humility comes to mind when I think about success. The definition of humility is ” a modest or low view of one’s own importance; humbleness.” I think it’s important to remain humble. To me, humility isn’t about playing yourself small. You are important but knowing your importance in this life comes with a responsibility. If you are lucky enough to live your dreams, walk your life purpose. It’s important to remain pure of heart. What the hell does that mean? Remember when you first started? That innocent optimism that allowed you to open your heart to new life lessons and people? It’s this essence that often gets tainted.
I know, trust me, I know you will go through some bullsh**t and as a result, it changes you. It’s during these times that you must decide what kind of person you want to be. Further, how you will let negative situations or people impact you. Your importance doesn’t make you better than anyone else. Your success doesn’t make you better, stronger or more powerful than anyone else either when you look at the bigger picture. Being humble is recognizing that you are fortunate. Therefore, you use all that you have accomplished not to make others feel small but to show them that they are just like you.
Share your success
It’s okay to be proud, tell the world about your success. Generally, it’s not what you say or do, it’s how you say or do it. I have met a lot of successful people in different industries. The people that I felt, wow you are still pure of heart, were able to talk about who they are, their passions, their accomplishments because they were proud but they also wanted to inspire you. They had a desire to show someone else the way. I have also met people who live in a space that requires continuous validation. Clearly, their accomplishments don’t fulfill them. Individuals like this love to talk down to people, make people feel small. Brag about their accomplishments because they want you to know what they have and you don’t.
Being successful doesn’t give you an excuse to be a jerk. You don’t have to downplay your success, throw a party every weekend if you want to. When you throw this party welcome each guest that walks through that door the same way you wanted to be received when you started. People don’t have an issue with successful people. They have an issue with the behaviour that some people exude with success. Let me tell you something if you are currently living your dreams; finally! Think about the kind of person you want to be. What kind of mark do you want to leave behind?
We all want to be loved, to be liked, but most importantly we want to be respected. People will respect you and everything you have accomplished if you respect them regardless of where they are at in life. Whenever you encounter someone, particularly those who admire you, or someone in the same field as you. It’s your duty to use your success, this gift, to inspire them. You are not better than anyone. You a human being who took advantage of opportunities and made something happen. In addition, don’t forget that other people, helped you along the way.
In my opinion, a successful person gives as much as they have received without question. A successful person never feels like they are too good because they know that greatness is a continuous evolution. They are still working towards their greatness daily. Moreover, they see that there is always a lesson to be learned. They surround themselves with people who dare to dream at every stage in life. Whether they are sitting in a Bently or waiting for a bus. We can all teach each other something new.
Obviously, I don’t think you should downplay your success. Think about your behaviour in relation to your success. Are you a better person? Are you kind? Are you loving and open? What kind of person have you become? Most importantly are you happy? A truly successful person understands that how they feel once they arrive and the person they have become is the true marker of success. Who are you? If it’s not the person you think you should be, are you really successful? Success if contentment, it’s happiness without conditions. It’s love of self and all that life has given you, the good and the bad. Success is self-acceptance.
