84% of women feel uncomfortable promoting themselves, preferring to downplay their accomplishments. Surprisingly, almost 50% of women would rather run errands in the rain than talk about themselves in a room full of strangers. This discomfort is not unfounded, as studies show that women often use “we” instead of “I” when discussing their achievements out of fear of being perceived as self-serving, particularly in male-dominated work environments. They tend to give more credit to their male colleagues and less credit to themselves.
Learning to confidently acknowledge and celebrate one’s achievements, both personally and professionally, can be challenging. For me, as a woman of color from an immigrant background, I was always focused on hustling and quickly moving on to the next goal. It never occurred to me to pause and recognize my accomplishments. However, I realized that if I wanted to progress in my career, I had to become my own advocate.
If you struggle with being overly humble, here are four practical steps you can take to become comfortable with owning your wins and confidently promoting yourself:
1. Recognize your deservingness: Many of us struggle to acknowledge our success because we feel we didn’t deserve it. We attribute it to external factors like luck or the support of others. Take stock of the decisions, risks, and investments you’ve made to get where you are today. Consider the skills and traits you have developed along the way. Recognize that while others may have played a role in your success, you deserve recognition for your own contributions.
2. Craft a powerful personal pitch: Whether you’re at a networking event, job interview, or pitching to clients or investors, having a strong personal pitch is essential. It’s a concise introduction that showcases your achievements and value. Include your current title and company, highlight your proudest accomplishments, emphasize valuable skills or traits, and explain how you can add value to the person you’re speaking to. Get creative and highlight what makes you unique.
3. Create a victory log: Make celebrating your wins a habit by creating a daily log of achievements. Set aside time each day to jot down at least five things you’re proud of. These can be tangible goals you’ve achieved or simple moments of personal growth. The goal is to privately acknowledge yourself and your active role in your success, so that promoting your wins becomes second nature.
4. Advocate for other women: While many women feel uncomfortable promoting themselves, they find inspiration in hearing about other women’s accomplishments. One way to feel more comfortable owning our wins is by supporting and advocating for other women. Find an accountability buddy and be each other’s biggest cheerleaders. Remind each other of your incredible accomplishments and celebrate together. By helping each other, we all succeed.
By implementing these strategies, you can overcome the discomfort of self-promotion and confidently own your wins. Remember, promoting yourself is not self-serving; it’s recognizing your value and actively contributing to your success.
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