As I enjoyed a warm cup of tea with a colleague I hadn’t caught up with in ages, she inquired about my latest endeavors in the medical field. After transitioning into a new area of practice a few years ago, I’ve dedicated myself to establishing my reputation and have finally begun to achieve recognition after years of hard work. My colleague, thrilled about my recent advancement, wrapped me in a congratulatory hug. Yet, as she celebrated my accomplishments, I found myself downplaying them. I blurted out, “Thanks, but it’s really not that significant,” and soon we shifted the conversation to other matters.
This experience has lingered in my mind for quite some time. Why was it so challenging for me to relish in my success? Why didn’t I respond with, “Absolutely! Let’s celebrate! I put in a lot of effort, and I’m genuinely proud of my work. Thank you for recognizing it!” I’ve invested countless hours refining my skills, often sacrificing time with family and friends. I’ve striven to stand out in a competitive environment, learning the ins and outs of a demanding field.
I excel at my job. I truly deserve to accept compliments from peers and friends confidently because I’ve achieved this through determination and hard work. However, with each milestone reached, I’ve quietly patted myself on the back, yet when others commend me, I hesitate to fully embrace their praise. It feels as though I’m afraid that acknowledging my success might come off as boastful. After all, who wants to be seen as a humblebragger?
I know I’m not alone in this struggle. I observe women deflecting compliments daily, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that we collectively grapple with acknowledging our accomplishments. Whether in our professional lives or as mothers, we often downplay our successes, conditioned to be self-critical.
I see it in the mother who organizes a school event and brushes off the accolades by stating, “Oh, I had plenty of support.” I notice it in the talented author who hesitates to share her recent bestseller status, attributing her success to her agency’s marketing efforts. I even see it in the mom whose children behave impeccably, yet she says, “You should have seen them earlier!”
Why do we do this? We are incredible women, conquering challenges daily, and we must take pride in our accomplishments. Juggling demanding bosses and chaotic home lives, we show up every day, determined to succeed. When will we recognize that we are remarkable? When will we allow ourselves to take a moment to appreciate our hard work, from nurturing our families to excelling in our careers?
That moment is now. It’s time to stop apologizing for our successes. No more downplaying the hard work that got us where we are. If you see a woman minimizing her achievements, remind her that she has every right to feel proud. Encourage her to voice it and eventually, she will believe it. By affirming our successes, we will command the respect of those around us.
Being a mother is significant—it’s a demanding role that requires immense effort and dedication. It involves ensuring our children grow up to be kind and responsible individuals. It’s about navigating the intricacies of parenting while maintaining our own well-being.
Similarly, being a successful professional means facing gender biases and challenges in the workplace. It involves advocating for ourselves while managing the many responsibilities of life. We are breaking barriers every day, and when we receive compliments, we have earned them.
So, the next time someone praises your dedication, own it. Say “thank you.” Allow yourself to feel pride in your achievements and openly acknowledge the hard work it took to reach your goals. It’s time to stand tall and declare, “Yes, I did that!”
Take a moment to affirm your strength—say “I am amazing” because you truly are, and amazing individuals never apologize for their greatness.
For more insights on home insemination and parenting, check out this resource. If you’re looking for authoritative resources, visit this page and the CDC’s website for valuable information.
Summary
It’s crucial for women to embrace their successes without feeling the need to downplay their achievements. Acknowledging hard work and celebrating victories fosters self-confidence and respect in both personal and professional realms. We must support each other in recognizing our accomplishments and affirming our strengths.