Bat Fit Challenge #5: Brag-fest

Let's face it, many of us find it very difficult to pat ourselves on the back or talk about our successes and accomplishments. Rather, we spend most of our time complaining that we didn't succeed at our goal, that we aren't good enough or special enough, and that we need to improve this or that. Women in our society are especially taught to be humble and to avoid bragging about ourselves and our accomplishments. Those who do are labeled egotists, bitches, and prideful ... and are considered with suspicion and hate. We are taught to talk about ourselves in a negative light and to accept compliments gracefully but hastily, quickly moving to the next topic. It's very rare to hear women brag about who they are and what awesome things they do. Hell, many men I know consider bragging to be beneath them and a sign of weakness. They consider the bragger to be false and hiding a dark reality under a guise of posturing. Sure, there are some people who use their own bragging to build themselves up and, in turn, take others down a notch. They make a habit of making sure you feel like crap because they are so awesome. This isn't what I am talking about at all.

What I am talking about isn't an unhealthy bragging, but rather simply celebrating every awesome thing you do everyday. It's about honoring your accomplishments. It's about knowing that you can do something because you are the best qualified -- that you're awesome at your vocation, or art, or chosen path. And it's about speaking positively about yourself and the good that you do. I honestly think that if we balanced talking about our problems with talking about our accomplishments we wouldn't feel so terrible. And it would give our circle of family and friend cause to celebrate with us. It's very important to celebrate each other and ourselves every day.

Not too long ago, a good friend of mine gave me a bit of advice regarding a healthy dose of arrogance and ego. Of course, his advice was in reaction to me doubting my abilities as a scholar and teacher. He told me that I need to cultivate a healthy ego and that arrogance (meaning knowing that I am the best at what I do) goes a long way in academia. I really took his advice to heart, but I'll admit that I haven't really followed it. I never feel good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, etc. etc. I very rarely talk about my accomplishments and I have a hard time accepting compliments ... yet, I have a hard time accepting criticism because I am so unsure and I'm a bit of a perfectionist. I don't have a very strong self-confidence and I need to gather the courage to do things that are new or that I might fail at initially. I am constantly doubting myself ... and in this field that's a recipe for disaster.

So, dear Bat Fitters, I give you a challenge that I, myself, am going to have a very difficult time accomplishing:


For the next two weeks we will be having a BRAG-FEST! Yup, in the spirit of the ancient Celts we will raise our tankards in a toast to ourselves and all that we do! We will stand up and say, "I am awesome at xyz!" "I successfully accomplished xyz and I'm damned proud of myself!" Your challenge, if you chose to accept it, is to blog about, comment here about, or talk about with your loved ones those accomplishments that you are most proud; what makes you special; and what you love about yourself, etc. Everyday for two weeks you will celebrate YOURSELF. Pop the cork on the champagne and raise the glass high, for you are awesome.


With that said there is ONE RULE: you may not make fun of or be snarky towards the bragger. You may, however, tell them how awesome they truly are. ;)


I give to you my first brag:

I am a damned awesome scholar. I am a strong researcher and an even stronger writer. I make insightful connections that can be quite groundbreaking and revolutionary. And my research skills are unmatched -- the library is my domain and is often putty in my hands. And the best part: I love what I do!