Why aren’t we proud of ourselves?

It’s OK to be proud of others and to thank various gods, but damn you if you’re proud of yourself out loud.

Photo by Timo Wagner on Unsplash

When did it become unacceptable to praise ourselves for a job well done?

When did we remove ourselves from the hard work, dedication, and ambition that is required to succeed?

I hear people give thanks to their gods, their parents, their friends, producers, backup singers, accounting team but never, ever to themselves. Social media forbid we thank yourselves!

Of course, the people who helped you achieve great things deserve thanks but not exclusively and not at the cost of your self-worth.

As a society, we have systematically punished self-aware people for doing great work and applauding themselves (without arrogance or ego).

If I am not my biggest fan then who will be?

If I am not aware of the work that I put in to achieve great things then who will be?

If I don’t praise myself for the effort I put in then who will?

There are people who are oblivious to the world around them and give themselves props for achieving absolutely nothing but there are also humble, hard-working, gifted, dedicated and resilient…