Imagine you meet a smug person who walks around like everything he does is worthy of being on the front cover of magazines.
Picture this person is overly cocky, thinks everything he touches turns into gold, and believes himself to be the best, for extra effect.
Does that sound like a fun person to be around?
Of course not, because he’s most likely condescending and difficult to get along with because he’s more interested in bragging and talking about himself than getting to know you.
Oh come on. Be honest, you’re totally thinking of someone you know.
How much do you like that person? Would you describe that person as being fun? Caring? Selfless?
Now contrast that person with someone who has interesting things going on in his life but doesn’t brag about it. He’s humble and cool, when someone compliments him on his accomplishments, he says thank you but doesn’t let it feed his ego and doesn’t try to milk the subject for more.
The second person sounds like a lot more fun to hang out with. The first sounds like someone you wouldn’t enjoy more than two minutes with.
Being humble is something I’m still struggling with to this day. I love talking about myself and enjoy external validation (as most of us do).
Yet, it always feels dirty bragging. It rarely feels good and almost never flies under the radar.
So why do we do it? Just to prove to ourselves for a second that we’re awesome? To make others think we’re interesting?
Never once have I ever seen someone brag and then immediately think to myself, “Jesus Christ, this person’s great!”
But you know what type of people impress me all the time? People who are clearly leading interesting lives (without having to tell me just how great they are) and seem unfazed by what people think of them.
Aim for humble. People can determine how interesting you are without you explicitly talking about it.
Hey Vincent
Really great, simple post. Reminds me of the old adage ‘Do, don’t tell’. Thanks for the post.
And thanks for reading!
yes ,it is true ,humble people do say ,thank you and feel blessed but they never make a big deal about their accomplishments . And you are so humble . Whenever I see an email with your post on Monday or Tuesday I feel that a message is always there to learn from . Keep the good work going . God bless you !!
Thanks so much for being such a consistent reader! 🙂
Yes, I know a person, who always brags about himself and it’s really annoying. Sometimes I want to strangle him. But there’s nothing I can do about his behaviour, unfortunately. As for myself, I’d rather be more humble than I am now. It’s hard not to pay attention to what the others think about me, so sometimes I try to impress them. I wish I could change that someday and be more humble and confident about myself…
Hah, I would strongly advise against strangling, but it may be worth giving him a sincere heads up! He may not even be aware he’s doing it, or worse, he might be aware of it but not realize others notice what he’s doing.
You’re the greatest Vincent and don’t let anyone tell you differently. I wish you all the best in making this world a better place.
We gotta keep trying. It’s getting better all the time.
Uh oh, you’re feeding my ego! 😛
You are so right. The hours of my life I’ve spent listening to someone bragging about themselves and going on non stop about their lives not once asking about yours. Life’s too short for these people to take so much of your time.
The worrying thing is there are so many like it or is it something I do to attract them. Help!!!?
I’d suggest just giving them a heads up that what they’re doing is bothering you. If they get angry and suggest you’re in the wrong, just move on. You’re allowed to choose who you spend your time with.
Hi Vincent, I think the article is true and all you said is right, but I love to bragging about myself. Just because I deeply believe that I’m awesome. I really do. sometimes I think that whoever does not coming to me, that’s his problem and he or she is missing me! It may sound awful but that’s how I feel. I know that being humble is good and since my childhood I have read many stories about people who were humble but what can I do? I am really fantastic.
thanks
Borna
Sometimes, we can’t help but brag about our achievements, I guess that’s okay, we are just being true to ourselves. Being humble is good. So whatever path we choose, whether to brag or just stay silent, it’s our choice, let no one tell you otherwise, don’t live base on the opinion of other people. Be you. Thanks for sharing… Really great!
I think someone who brags about themselves must be very insecure. If you have to toot your own horn, that’s pretty sad. Actions speak louder than words. If you are a kind and compassionate person, people will probably already know that about you. If I’m just meeting someone I would not go on and on about myself, I would be asking questions about the other person.