We’ve all been around that intolerable person whose greatest asset is their bragging ability. They may showcase their flawless GPA, their oh-so-perfect relationship with their oh-so-perfect significant other, or their God-given gift for sports or the arts. Whenever you listen to that person’s horn blowing full-force, you may want to roll your eyes all the way back into your head or counteract with an indefinite list of all your accomplishments that you deem better than theirs.
Maybe you are the bragging person, but maybe you have a lot to brag about! You might have worked extremely hard to accomplish this one thing. You may have a natural talent for what you do. You might even feel so happy and lucky that you want to show this feeling off to the rest of the world!
Whoever’s shoes you may fill in this situation, it is important to keep a few things in mind.
Generally, it is good to be confident, but there is a fine line one must not cross as to turn this into boasting. I am definitely not telling you to lose confidence. Confidence is vital in the world we’re living in today. You’ll need it in ample amounts to succeed in so many personal and professional endeavors. You have to know your worth and make sure others know it, too.
To put it simply, as my mother would say, “You have to love yourself, but not too much.”
If you hear someone gloating about their latest accomplishment, it is important to refrain from retaliating with your own bragging. A simple nod, smile, and kind spoken word will not leave a handprint of regret on you, nor a bitter taste in the mouth of your neighbor. You can leave the situation with a smile on your face knowing that you remained classy and you realized the error in your acquaintance’s ways. This will keep you from acting in such a manner yourself.
Furthermore, contrary to popular belief, it is possible to absolutely kill it in whatever you’re doing without blasting your successes on social media. If you feel the desire to make a post, make sure your words speak confidence but are tempered with humility.
A big ego may repel people, but humility attracts so many. The selfish bragger may come across as inconsiderate and rude, but the humble servant will be seen as altruistic and kind. Don't worry so much about telling people what you have done- your accomplishments and good deeds will speak for themselves.
Whether or not you have a relationship with God, below are some values we can all take heed of. Pride often comes before the fall, and arrogance is frequently stemmed from praise-seeking. One can have peace in knowing that humility brings about honor, harmony, and happiness.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2
Pride brings a person low,
but the lowly in spirit gain honor.
Proverbs 29:23
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
1 Peter 5:6
God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.
1 Corinthians 1:28-29
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
Philippians 2:3
