How To Be Your No.1 Cheerleader — 4 Ways Not To Downplay Your Wins.
By: Amaka Chukwuma Jubilee
Tags: Positive Thinking, Lifestyle, Positivity, Copywriting, Contentwriting

Do you find yourself downplaying your accomplishments?

That's a cousin of impostor syndrome.

People call it impostor syndrome but I like to treat it as an off-shoot of impostor syndrome.

Here is how it plays out:

I graduate 3rd in class.

My brain: that's because it wasn't a competitive class.

I get my first job.

My brain: it's a makeshift job and not one you wanted.

I get my first gig.

My brain: you didn't do much to earn it, someone referred you

I get a certification.

My brain: it's just a free online course, please.

I become a copywriter.

My brain: some people your age are already CEOs, it’s a no brainer.

I get a ton of likes on a post.

My brain: they are vanity metrics.

I get an invitation to discuss a promising project.

My brain: don't get so excited, you ain't getting it.

I arrived at a function early enough (even if it's for the first time and when it matters most.)

My brain: you still suck at time-keeping.

Does this sound familiar to you?

For me, it started with being modest and humble about my wins. I didn't want to come off as being proud of my 'small privileges'. I reckoned that they were people better off that needed to be celebrated. I hated to be in the spotlight.

This is when modesty becomes bad. If I didn't want people to notice me, then I should at least admit to my small wins, own my successes and pat myself on the back for being productive.

Impostor syndrome is an opportunist and modesty gives it a big room to get comfortable. How do you begin to acknowledge your efforts and be fine with them at least, in the interim before you lookout for the next big or little new thing(s) that would come your way?

Before I answer that, here are three things you do when you minimize your efforts.

You are saying to yourself "I am not enough".

You are being hard on yourself by raising the bar too high for yourself to reach.

You weaken self-confidence.

All three can be summed up in two words "negative reinforcements". Fueling yourself with so much negativity will adversely affect your growth process.

Overcoming self-putting down

You are your no.1 cheerleader. You need to support yourself. How do you stop yourself from cancelling you? Here’s how to do it in four ways.

1. Celebrate every milestone/acknowledge your efforts: you don’t have to call a party. Celebrate milestones by talking about it. Tell a loved one, a small circle of friends, write it down, buy a drink for yourself, say it loud when you are alone and laugh about it. Don’t be afraid to scream in ecstasy. Tell yourself you did it.

2. Accept commendations and compliments: You don’t have to be dramatic when receiving compliments. A warm "thank you" as a response is fine. Don’t feign about not being excited, don’t make statements to negate what you were complimented for. Own it. Show them that your achievement means so much to you. show them that you consider it a win. Make comments about what helped you achieve it. Don’t be apologetic about reaping what you sowed. Bask in its delight. Don’t say things like "anyone could have done it". Don’t shift the focus. For now, it is about YOU.

3. Compare your now and then situation: When you compare where you are and where you were, it helps you objectively see how far you have come. A lot of times when I get to reflect on this, my heart wells up with gratitude.

Take notice of all the things that have changed. When you register your progress like this, you have every reason not to play small.

Make a list: What makes you amazing? Why do you think you are awesome? Make a list of these things that qualify you as awesome or amazing. It could be 10, 20 or 50. Write them all. Another list to keep should be a list of all your wins, small or big.

They come in handy when the doubts surface. They will remind you about why you are worthy of being called a winner. It’s a great way to surround your self with so much positivity that make you focus.

You can successfully fight the enemy within and stay on top.