If someone asked me what I like about myself, my answer would probably be different today than it would have been two years ago, last year, or even as recent as six months ago. Nowadays, I try to live every day of my life with the belief that I am important, talented, and capable. The day I decided to live my life with this philosophy was the day I believe that my life changed for the better. And that is why I believe in the power of pride.
I’m a self-described “late bloomer.” While other kids in grade school started to figure out who they were, how they wanted to express themselves, and what they wanted to do with their lives, I always felt out of place, because I felt that it was something I was still far from figuring out. In retrospect, I realize that most of those kids were probably just as lost and confused as I was, but at the time, it really took a hit on my self-esteem. I spent far more time in middle school and high school than I would have liked being shy and reserved, because inside I felt lost and unimportant. I can’t say exactly what inspired me, or precisely when it happened, but by my senior year of high school, I decided it was time to make a change.
I started living my life free of judgment from myself and chasing away thoughts about the judgment of others. I filled myself up with positive affirmations and self-love. I dressed and presented myself to the world in a way that I liked, not caring what other people thought. And, most importantly, I started appreciating my own achievements and successes. I lived every day to take care of myself and be proud of all the things I did. Once I put self-pride at the center of my mind, so many doors started opening for me.
Being proud of myself and the skills and talents that I have led me to figure out at what I truly excelled and enjoyed. When I recognized my own talents as a writer, I found myself on the path to a degree and a career I was truly passionate about; a career as a journalist.
Focusing on pride as an important aspect of my personal philosophy also taught me an important lesson in ethics. Taking pride of myself, my work, and my achievements meant that I was always trying to put my best self forward. Because of this, I stopped turning in work (in class and at my job) that was below the standard of my best. I also made sure that my personal best was honest, direct, and came completely from me. Besides helping me feel personally proud of myself, putting pride into my work brought me positive attention and recognition from my professors and my peers.
Overall, I believe that pride and self-confidence are important skills to integrate into one’s life. Besides making you happier, pride can make you more successful- in the most honest and real way.