I’m awesome, so every now and again, someone will say to me, “I’ve heard great things about you.” I’ll reply, “Of course. I’m awesome.” The person to whom I am speaking makes some sideways comment like, “I see you’re humble, too.” All sarcasm. Great. But here’s the thing: since when is being humble a good thing?

I’m here to tell you that humble is for suckers. Here are some reasons why.

1. You spend a great deal of your life trying to convince people you’re awesome. You try to copy behaviors of people you think are awesome and tell jokes other people told you so that people will think you’re funny. You groom yourself so you’re not repulsive, bathe so you don’t stink, and get your hair cut so people don’t mistake you for the unibomber. Your mom taught you manners so you wouldn’t offend anyone, and you otherwise spend most of your time trying to like yourself and get others to do likewise. Why on earth would you then waste all that effort by using your words – the most tangible things people have to really recall impressions of you – to tell them that you’re NOT awesome? Do you have a Sisyphus complex?
2. If you believe that you are awesome and tell people that you are less than, then you are lying to them. Lying is not awesome. This actually creates the effect of reducing your awesomeness, so if you do it often enough, it actually becomes true. You create a new truth by saying it. Think about it.
3. If someone thinks well enough of you to comment about it, it’s pretty insulting to then turn around and call them wrong. A far more gracious approach is to simply say thanks. Otherwise you’re telling people they’re idiots for thinking you’re cool. This also has the same effect as #2, making it true that you’re not awesome.
4. If someone tells you they think you’re awesome, and then you respond by telling them they must be mistaken, you put them in the position of having to prove themselves right. Which feels strange to have to justify a compliment to someone. It could feel disingenuous, like you’re merely fishing for compliments. That is most certainly not something an awesome person would do. Don’t make it their job to make you feel worthy.
5. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, there is enough negative feedback we get throughout our lives. We have people aplenty all the way through school, our first jobs, our first marriages, telling us we’re worthless. It sinks into our brains, and we have to use great measures, persistence, and mental strength to push those thoughts back and try to see beyond all that negativity. Insults vastly outnumber compliments throughout our lives. Why, then, would you want to be one of those people reinforcing the bad? You’re supposed to be on your side. You know who you are. Stand up for yourself. You are the best weapon against all that crap you have. Don’t be one of them. That’s what is referred to in academic circles as bullshit.

There you have it. Humble is for suckers. Be brave. Brag a little. There are far worse things you could be doing. Humble pie doesn’t taste good and makes people choke – even with ice cream on it.

Tags: being awesome, being humble, compliments, humility, self-esteem | Category Life in General