“Don’t humble yourself out of opportunities.” - Sonia Ghir
We’ve all been told to “stay humble,” a well-meaning piece of advice that encourages modesty and a grounded attitude. Humility is a virtue, but it’s like walking a tightrope—there is a fine line between humility and undervaluing oneself. Too often, people humble themselves out of opportunities, allowing modesty to overshadow their achievements, skills, and potential.
Additionally, many individuals fail to recognize the inherent value they possess, even when they don’t see it themselves. Excessive humility can lead to underselling skills, fear of self-promotion, and missed networking opportunities. It’s like having a treasure chest but keeping it locked away, never realizing its worth or allowing others to see the riches within.
To strike a balance between humility and self-advocacy, it’s essential to acknowledge your achievements, practice assertive communication, prepare for self-promotion, seek feedback, and support others. Recognizing your inherent value, even when self-doubt clouds your perception, is crucial. Embracing your worth is not about arrogance but rather about self-respect and professional growth.
Recognizing your own value is the first step towards achieving your full potential.
Start Here:
Acknowledge Your Achievements: Celebrate your successes and recognize your hard work.
Find the Impact: Focus on the impact and results rather than boasting.
Practice Assertive Communication: Be clear and confident when discussing your skills and accomplishments to ensure your voice is heard and your contributions are recognized.
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from colleagues and mentors to reinforce your value and contributions and boost your confidence.
Embrace Your Uniqueness: Recognize and trust the inherent value in your unique set of skills and experiences, even if you don’t always see it yourself.
While humility is important, ensure it does not prevent you from taking chances and seizing opportunities. Embrace your worth, acknowledge your achievements, and confidently communicate your value. Even if you don’t always see it yourself, trust that you have inherent value that others recognize.
Author - Sonia Ghir