Don't Be Afraid to Be Your Own Sponsor

Few of us enjoy being around braggarts – and for good reason. There’s nothing more boring and unpleasant than listening to someone toot their own horn as though they're the best thing since sliced bread.

However, there are times when a little bragging is appropriate and even necessary. For instance, when you're promoting your ideas at work, interviewing for a new job or higher position, romancing a love interest or presenting yourself to potential clients and business associates.

But, there’s a fine line between bragging and arrogance that must not be crossed or you may be seen as self-absorbed and boastful, instead of strong and confident.

Make sure that when you talk yourself up, it’s about the things you do well and that you state them as true facts. Resist the temptation to embellish your achievements to make them seem greater than they really are.

Choose words that describe your successes in positive ways and keep your accounts precise and to the point. Talk about your strengths; give examples of accomplishments that support your claims. And always give credit to others, especially co-workers, who may have helped you achieve your goals.

Self-confidence is an attractive quality that says, "I know who I am and what I have to offer." Your purpose is to bring attention to your talents and capabilities like leading a team, fulfilling expectations and being successful, not to exhibit superiority over other people.

When the time comes to sing your own praises, take a minute to check your purpose and intentions. If you're bragging to impress other people, or to make yourself feel like you’re better than others, you're more likely to appear arrogant and pretentious.

Once you put yourself out there, you could become the target of criticism; and some people may be rubbed the wrong way. Sometimes that’s the price of success and an occupational hazard. But, when bragging is done correctly, you’re just as likely to gain respect and admiration for your confidence and abilities, which is critically important to your future success.

So, don’t be afraid to do a little shameless self-promotion when the time is right. As long as it’s done tastefully, authentically and for the right reasons, never hesitate to speak up for yourself. After all, if you don’t, it’s a certainty that no one else will!

-Lyn Williams, Author, Speaker and "Love and Happiness Mastery" Coach
http://www.thewomanexec.com