Brag Table

Something that’s validated by society is humility. No one likes someone who blatantly flaunts their success or shows off how good they are. We’re taught to be more humble and to not say anything that puts others down. We’re supposed to let our actions speak louder than our words.

And while I agree with all of that, I’m also keenly aware of the downside. Our humility can prevent us for giving ourselves credit for who we are and the great things we’re accomplishing! Being humble is so woven into what’s socially acceptable that we feel like we’re not even allowed to think highly of ourselves in private.

Recently I came across a great solution to this, presented by John Acuff, that he calls the “Brag Table”. 

Imagine stepping up to a table where, in a psychologically safe and healthy way, you toss the need to be humble to the side and can brag about how great you are! Where you can talk about your achievements, how strong your body is, how amazing of a partner you are, and all of the things that normally come off the wrong way. It’d inspire a wave of self-confidence in yourself and establish a sense of agency that you are personally responsible for creating a great life.

Acuff encourages you to find a friend that you trust to share this experience with. Where you share everything on your side, and listen to someone else’s amazing life updates. You validate each other’s perspective, help each other speak with even more conviction, and facilitate a really powerful experience. 

Sitting down to the ‘Brag Table’ is kind of like venting but on the opposite side of the emotional spectrum. You release thoughts that have been pent up for so long it’s almost therapeutic. But instead of it being about all of the things bothering you, it’s all of the things that you wanted to celebrate but kept yourself from enjoying because it wouldn’t be humble to.

If you don’t want to set up a full conversation with someone, then carve out time for a journaling session. And if that’s too big of an ask, then just think of one thing right now that you’re really proud of but haven’t given yourself permission to celebrate.

‍