Instead of saying, “I crushed my goals last quarter. Can you believe how well I did?” say, “I was really fortunate that I hit my numbers. A lot had to go right in order for that to happen! It was tough during this economy, so I had to get creative. ” Congratulate yourself and give yourself credit if you have been working on improving aspects of yourself.
You could say, “I earned a great score on my LSATs. I think it really helped that I set up a study schedule and stuck to it for several months. It was tough, but it paid off. ”
Try, “I feel like I really pitched a great game the other day. But that wouldn’t have gotten us the win if my teammates hadn’t gotten all of those hits!” This sounds a lot nicer than, “I pitched a great game and that’s why we won!”
Don’t say, “Have you seen my new condo? It is so much nicer than Kelly’s!” Instead, try, “I’m really happy with my new place. I’d love for you to see it! I hear Kelly’s is nice, too!”
A thoughtful, humble post might be something like, “I’m excited to share that I’ve accepted a position at State University. It’s an honor to be joining such a great institution. ” It will come off better than, “Yes! I nailed my job interview and beat out everyone else to land a job at State University. ”
For example, maybe don’t talk about a recent promotion to your friend who just got laid off. Instead, share that news with a friend who is enjoying similar success at work.
It’s okay to vent to a friend or family member if you are feeling worn down. Just don’t act like you’ve accomplished something by being tired.
Try saying, “I’ve been extra busy lately because I’ve been trying to help my mom move into her new place. I’m glad I’ve been able to squeeze that into my schedule. ” That will go over better than, “I’m just crazy busy lately. You wouldn’t even believe how busy I am! I’m doing so much. ”
Say, “Sammy got an A in calculus. I’m so proud that his hard work paid off. ” This sounds more humble than, “Sammy got the best grade in the class. He’s so brilliant!”
Instead of saying, “My bonus topped six figures!” say, “I’m grateful that my hard work paid off and I earned a healthy bonus this year. ”
If your kids brag anyway, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s your fault. Just take a minute to explain why they shouldn’t brag and help them find an alternative way to express themselves.
For example, don’t say, “Wow, you were better than everyone else at the soccer game today!” Instead, try, “You did a great job passing the ball today. I love seeing that teamwork from you!”
If you’ve noticed a friend being extra boastful lately, ask them out for a coffee date. They might just need some quality time with you. If you have multiple kids, try to give each of them some extra one-on-one time with you. That could be as simple as reading an extra book to each of them at bedtime.
If your kids are too young to volunteer, you can help them learn kindness by teaching them to share their toys. You can model this type of behavior for everyone in your life. Recruit some friends to volunteer with you, too.
