Claiming Your Strengths: Being Empowered, Humble, and Unafraid of Other’s Judgments.

The Wreath Maker Painting by Addie Hirschten

One thing I encounter a lot when working with people is the idea that we shouldn’t “toot our horns” or that people don't want to appear to be bragging or boastful when they know they should be humble. I’m here to tell you that you can acknowledge your strengths and still be humble, and not only can a person do this, but it’s important that they do. So many people shy away from and don’t even acknowledge their strengths and gifts due to this mindset. What a waste and disservice to the rest of us! How can a person possibly live a fulfilling life and be of service to others if they can’t acknowledge their unique gifts and do something with them out of fear of judgment?

I know a thing or two about this. For much of my life, I have allowed fear of others' judgments to control me. I’ve had to overcome this and put myself out there to do my work, which has opened me up to being judged. Every step I take in claiming myself, my gifts, how I can help people, and permitting myself to talk about it has been scary. I do it anyway because if I don’t, how many people would lose an opportunity to receive the gifts I have to share just because I am afraid of being judged or appearing boastful? That would be a shame and quite selfish of me, actually. This is a game changer to look at it this way. When we hold ourselves back and aren’t willing to share our strengths or gifts with the world for whatever reason, we are being selfish.

So, how do we humbly claim our unique strengths and gifts? By acknowledging that we ALL have unique gifts and strengths. Mine is no better or worse than yours. The ego wants us to believe that we are better or worse than someone else. That is not humility. Humility is when you are confident in who you are and what your gifts are and can go about sharing them in a kind, centered, loving, compassionate way that helps others and does not put others in your shadow but uplifts them into their own light. That is how you humbly claim and express your gifts.

Now, go out to the world and let your light shine!

Want help discovering your gifts or getting over yourself so you can share them? I cover this topic in my book Not From Here, or I can work with you individually in a session.