Why do people brag?
The objective of bragging is to try to impress others. We want people who really do not know us to think we are more important than we are, more successful than we are, smarter than we are, harder working than we are, richer than we are, make more money than we do, have more influential associations than we do, etc.
How many times have you had to endure the endless name dropping of someone you just met at some event? Braggers have that affect on people.
When you get right down to it, people brag because, deep down, they feel inadequate in some way. Braggers are trying to sell a false narrative, typically to individuals they do not know.
According to my research on the daily habits of the rich, those who pursue success and end up becoming very successful in life, don’t brag. They will promote what they do, but their self-promotion is factual – it’s not a fabrication. They are not pushing some false narrative in order to get something from someone. The are pushing reality.
The most successful people are great at telling the truth about themselves by sharing their value proposition.
“I help people rise from poverty or the middle-class by teaching them about my Rich Habits through my books, blog, media exposure and speaking engagements.” That’s me self-promoting. Doesn’t sound so bad, does it.
“I am a huge bestselling author. I know Richard Branson, Robin Sharma, Dave Ramsey and I’ve been on national TV many times.” That’s me bragging. I’ve sold a lot of books but, huge is an exaggeration. I’ve met Robin Sharma, and Richard Branson once at a speaking engagement in which I was one of the speakers. They probably don’t even remember who I am. I’ve been on the Dave Ramsey show once. He might still remember me, but who knows. I’ve been on national TV three times. Three times is not many times.
Bragging is about exaggerating the truth. Self-promotion is about telling the truth. Two very different things.
About Thomas C. Corley
Speak Your Mind