How to get comfortable talking about your accomplishments and successes

Talking about our accomplishments and successes can feel a little daunting. However, it is very crucial that we get more comfortable doing it. In our private or professional lives, there are situations where we choose to either showcase our unique contributions or let them go unnoticed. If I asked you if you have ever been in a situation where you wished you spoke up and shared your accomplishments, your answer would probably be yes.
 
In this blog post, we will discuss how to get more comfortable talking about your accomplishments. Check out my other "Her Growth" posts for tips and resources to support your personal growth.
 
#1: Take stock of your accomplishments
Firstly, you need to believe that you have accomplished great things. Irrespective of how big or small you might think your successes are, they matter and should be celebrated. I learned to keep an accomplishment log where I write down my successes, and positive feedback people gave me. When you know what your accomplishments are, it is much easier to talk about them.
 
Strategies to consider

• Write down your accomplishments, regularly at least once a quarterly

 
#2: Find a way to share your accomplishment that feels authentic to you
When I talk to people who are not very comfortable with talking about their accomplishments, they often share that it feels uncomfortable or unnatural to them. Their reasons include not wanting to sound proud, not knowing the right words to use and not feeling it fits their personalities. We know that it is important for our growth, so we should invest time in exploring different ways to find what works best for us.
 
Strategies to consider

• Observe people around you and find a style that you like

 
#3: Practice talking about it
Especially for things that we do not feel very comfortable doing, practicing makes it easier. Now that you have taken stock of your accomplishments and found a way to share them that feels good to you, it is time to share them with someone. Prepare to have the conversation and rehearse if you need to. Find someone who you know will celebrate with you and share your accomplishments with them. It might feel scary at first, but it will get better the more you do it. Also, seeing people's reactions to your great successes will motivate you to keep sharing.
 
Strategies to consider

• Share your top accomplishments in 2021 with people you trust

 
#4: Find and take opportunities to share your accomplishments
Getting into the habit of sharing your accomplishments will make it feel more natural. There might be established processes like yearly performance reviews where you get to talk about the great work you have done at work. Make sure you are taking advantage of them. You may also have to create opportunities to showcase your successes if none exist. Use your resume, profile, or other platforms to share highlights. In your private life, leverage the conversations you have to share your accomplishments with people.
 
Strategies to consider

• Identify opportunities to share your accomplishments

 
#5: Continue tracking and celebrating your accomplishments
As you continue to grow and do great things, document them. It is very easy to forget what you have accomplished if you do not keep track of them. Along with making sure you remember your successes, you also want to celebrate them. We do not spend enough time celebrating how far we have come and often wait for people to celebrate us. Your successes are a big deal and need to be treated as such.
 
Strategies to consider

• Update your Accomplishments log and celebrate your successes

 
Final Thoughts
Over the last years, I have learned that it is my responsibility to celebrate my accomplishments and journey. This is something that I constantly remind myself of. I look forward to hearing about your amazing successes.
 
Great Resources
How to start celebrating your accomplishments
Celebrate your professional achievements
How to master the art of self-promotion
 
Call to Action
What have you accomplished over the last year?
How are you going to practice talking about your accomplishments?
How will you celebrate your next major accomplishment?