A Lesson In Bragging (Yes, Really!)
Two weeks ago in The Drop In Community, I opened our session with, "Today we're going to brag." and even though everyone was on mute, I could see a few gasps in the room!
I wasn't talking about the humble brag. The one where you sneak in something you’re proud of but quickly soften it with a little self-deprecation.
Nope. We truly bragged! We named what we’re here for, what we’re amazing at, and what we love about the way we show up in the world. And let me tell you, it was powerful.
Because here’s the thing: If you’re a high achieving woman, you were probably taught how to be accomplished, how to be kind, how to be likable. But I’d bet you weren’t taught how to brag.
Because bragging means you’re claiming something. And it means you’re standing in your worth.
We’re taught that if we brag, we risk being judged. We might be seen as arrogant, full of ourselves, or even unworthy of connection. Eeek!
We’re conditioned to believe that downplaying our brilliance makes us more acceptable.
It's time we rewrite that story. We started by speaking our brags out loud, not as a way to prove anything, but because owning your greatness is part of embodying your full self.
So, I’ll ask you this: What’s something that you’re amazing at? What’s a brag that you can claim today, fully, unapologetically, without softening the edges?
Here's a few brags that the women shared boldly and unapologetically:
I brag that I'm a kick ass mom!
I brag that I live my life with boldness, laughter and fun.
I brag that I have worked really hard to get to where I am, and I've earned it because of who I am at my core.
I brag that I'm resilient!
I brag that I'm positively impacting 55,000 people across the world with the project I'm leading.
If bragging feels unnatural to you too, you're not alone. Here are 3 ways to start embracing it:
1. Reframe it as simply truth-telling.
Instead of seeing it as boasting, consider it an act of honesty. You’ve worked hard, you’ve grown, and you have something valuable to offer. So, own the truth2. Start small.
If declaring your greatness feels overwhelming, begin with a single sentence: “I am incredible at ______.” Say it to yourself, then share it with a trusted friend or in a safe space.3. Notice where you downplay yourself.
Pay attention to how often you dismiss compliments or minimize your achievements. Instead of deflecting, practice saying “Thank you” and "I receive that compliment," allowing yourself to own the recognition.
Bragging isn’t about arrogance, it’s about self-recognition. And when you own your brilliance, you give others permission to do the same!
Hit reply and share with me your BRAG! I’d love to hear it and celebrate with you this week.
With ♡ and gratitude,
Jennifer