Sharing your pride in something without being braggy is a fine balance.
You want to share your accomplishments and wins, but you don’t want to come across as arrogant or self-absorbed. However, it’s possible to do it without anyone thinking badly of you. It’s all about weaving those humblebrags into your everyday conversations without anyone batting an eye. Here’s how to do it.
1. Share your struggles before your successes.
Source: Unsplash Instead of launching into a full-blown brag about acing that presentation, start by talking about how nervous you were beforehand. Mention the challenges you faced and the obstacles you overcame. This makes your success feel more earned and relatable, rather than just bragging for the sake of it.
2. Casually mention your achievements in the context of a larger conversation.
Let’s say a friend is talking about their upcoming marathon. You could chime in with something like, “Oh, I remember when I ran my first marathon. I was so nervous, but it ended up being one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.” This subtly highlights your own accomplishment without making it the main focus of the conversation.
3. Use self-deprecating humour to downplay your accomplishments.
If someone compliments you on your new car, you could say something like, “Yeah, it’s not bad for a first car, right?” This acknowledges the compliment while downplaying your own success in a humorous way.
4. Ask for advice related to your achievement.
Source: Brooke Cagle/Unsplash If you recently got a promotion, you could ask a colleague for advice on managing a team. This shows that you’re still learning and growing, even while subtly highlighting your new position.
5. Share your success story as a way to inspire people.
Instead of bragging about your weight loss journey, share it as a way to motivate people who might be struggling. Talk about the challenges you faced, the strategies that worked for you, and the lessons you learned along the way.
6. Let people brag for you.
If someone else mentions your accomplishment in a positive light, let them do the talking. You can simply smile and say, “Thanks, I’m really proud of it.” This allows you to acknowledge your success without sounding like you’re tooting your own horn.
7. Use social media strategically.
Share your achievements on social media, but do it in a way that feels authentic and relatable. Avoid bragging posts that focus solely on your success. Instead, share a personal story or a lesson you learned along the way. Or, post a photo of yourself enjoying the fruits of your labour, like a celebratory dinner after a big win.
8. Express gratitude for your achievements.
Instead of bragging about how much money you make, talk about how grateful you are for the opportunities that have come your way. This shifts the focus from your own ego to a sense of appreciation and humility.
9. Make self-deprecating jokes about your “flaws.”
If you’re known for being a great cook, you could joke about how you’re always burning toast. Or, if you’re an avid reader, you could lament about how you have too many books and not enough shelf space. This is a playful way to highlight your strengths while poking fun at yourself.
10. Share your accomplishments indirectly through stories.
Instead of saying, “I won an award for my photography,” you could tell a story about the day you took the winning photo. Describe the challenges you faced, the inspiration behind the shot, and the emotions you felt when you captured that perfect moment. This lets people connect with your achievement on a deeper level.
11. Use social proof to highlight your expertise.
Source: Unsplash If you’re a fitness enthusiast, share a photo of yourself at the gym with a caption like, “Feeling the burn after a great workout with my trainer.” This subtly implies that you’re serious about your fitness and that you have a professional guiding you.
12. Let your work speak for itself.
If you’re a talented artist, musician, or writer, share your work online or at local events. Let your creations speak for themselves, and let people discover your talent organically. This is a more subtle way to brag than explicitly stating your accomplishments.
13. Use quotes or references that subtly highlight your knowledge.
If you’re discussing a topic you’re knowledgeable about, weave in a relevant quote from a famous figure or a reference to a book you’ve read. This shows that you’ve done your research and that you’re well-versed in the subject matter.
14. Share your “problems” that are actually disguised blessings.
Complain about how you have too many job offers to choose from, or how you’re struggling to decide which holiday destination to pick. These are “problems” that most people would love to have, and they subtly highlight your success and good fortune.
15. Offer help or advice based on your expertise.
If a friend is struggling with a problem that falls within your area of expertise, offer to help them out. This is a generous way to showcase your knowledge and skills without coming across as boastful.
16. Wear or display items that subtly signal your status or achievements.
If you’ve graduated from a prestigious university, wear a sweatshirt with the school’s logo. Or, if you’ve won an award, display it in your office or home where other people can see it. These subtle cues can spark conversations and allow you to share your accomplishments naturally.
17. Be genuinely interested in people.
One of the best ways to be seen as successful and accomplished is to be genuinely interested in other people’s lives and achievements. Ask questions, listen attentively, and offer genuine compliments. This shows that you’re not just focused on yourself, but that you value the accomplishments of those around you as well.
