Selling Yourself Short Hurts!

 So, there's this event I went to. When it was time for everyone to introduce themselves, people casually shared who they were and what they did. As I listened, I noticed something interesting.

Many people didn't want to blow their own trumpet, so they unintentionally talked themselves down.

When it was my turn, I simply said, "I do my best." That was the best description I could think of for what I do.

Then someone from the crowd raised his voice and asked,

"You? What exactly do you do?"

Here's the thing.

How do I begin to explain everything I do day in and day out in just a few seconds?

That's the problem with many of us.

We tend to sell ourselves short. We try so hard to sound humble that we end up making ourselves look ordinary.

I do my thing. I don't hate on another man, and I don't compare myself to anyone. If you ask me, I'm just a normal guy trying to take care of my family, handle my responsibilities, and become a little better every day.

But honestly... that won't sell.

So I stood up, cleared my throat, and rephrased what I meant.

When I say "I do my best," I mean I do whatever I can to produce the best possible result each day. In the process of learning, improving, and solving problems, you naturally become good at many different things.

Why settle for being ordinary when you have everything within you to become extraordinary?

I can be a handyman when a door handle needs fixing.

I can be a computer technician when a laptop develops a fault.

I can be Messi on the football field during a friendly match.

I can think like a white-hat hacker when it's time to solve an AI coding problem.

I can be a commando in the gym.

I can preach when it's time to encourage people.

I can sing like Michael Jackson in the shower.

I can become an actor when the moment calls for it.

The point is this:

Human beings are more capable than they often give themselves credit for.

You can become a tech expert.

You can become a pilot.

You can become a business owner.

You can become a lawyer, a doctor, a leader, an athlete, or whatever your calling demands.

Your potential is far greater than the label you give yourself.

When I finished speaking, the same guy sighed and said,

"You do a lot."

I smiled.

I'd rather have someone tell me, "You do a lot," than ask me, "What exactly do you do?"

Nobody is born ordinary.

Abraham looked ordinary to everyone else, yet he carried an extraordinary destiny.

David looked like an ordinary shepherd boy, but he had the heart of a king.

Don't shrink yourself just to make other people comfortable.

Don't hide your gifts because you're afraid of sounding confident.

Sometimes your greatest act of humility is being honest about the value you bring.

It may not make sense to everyone today.

But one day, your results will introduce you better than your words ever could.

Grateful for another new day.