Don’t dumb down your greatness

This blog is named after my friend and colleague, Anthony Frasier’s book “Don’t Dumb Down Your Greatness“.

No matter how much I try or what you may see on social media, I constantly struggle to embrace my greatness. I’ve accomplished a lot in a short amount of time when compared to my peers.

When I’m around others that aren’t “on my level” (even typing that makes me feel like an asshole), I tend to minimize my work in hopes not to intimidate others. I fear to set the bar too high. That people will dismiss my success as luck or being “better than them”, but in the same breath, I want to motivate and inspire others to do and be more than what society expects of them.

How do I find the balance? I’m not sure. I am still figuring that out. What I do know for sure though, that it’s a big problem that I need to be consciously and consistently trying to solve. Why?

Let me share a story.

A few weeks ago, I saw a high school colleague on the train. We began catching up, sharing things we’ve done since high school. As she spoke and mentioned that she is still trying to figure things out and didn’t go to college, I felt bad to share any of my wins. Why? I don’t know. So I started to speak about my volunteer work, my children, and my husband’s success. What was wrong with this? Well, I thought nothing until she asked me what I did for myself. I minimized my greatness so much that after 10 minutes of conversation, she had no idea what I did for myself. The number of things I did for myself could easily take 20 minutes to talk about, but here in 10 minutes, I said nothing.

I know my life is destined for great things and that I will continue to get access to opportunities some may never experience. 

How do I stay true to myself by not dismissing my greatness while not feeling as though I am showing off?

 The struggle of being and remaining humble.