Being Impressed With Yourself Isn’t Arrogant—It’s Efficacious

A woman I recently interviewed for Season 3 of the podcast did something that caught me off guard.

Not because it was rare. But because it’s so common it’s become invisible.

We were talking about the four massive pivots she’s made in her life—bold, identity-shifting moves that changed everything for her family, her future, and probably her lineage.

I looked her in the eye (through the screen) and said:

“I just want you to know—I’m really impressed with you.”

She squirmed. She smiled. Then she stammered something like…

“I mean, I am proud of myself but…”

And after the interview, she circled back and said:

“That was uncomfortable to hear. I want to think about why it’s hard for me to let myself be impressed with myself.”

I knew exactly what she meant.

The discomfort isn’t shame. It’s newness.

This is something I see with clients all the time.

The second I invite them to be impressed with themselves, something in them recoils.

They look for a “softer” version of the feeling. They edit it. Downplay it. Bury it under something more socially acceptable, like pride or relief or gratitude.

And sure, those feelings matter.

But being impressed with yourself? That’s a very different flavor of power.

That’s data about how far you’ve come. That’s fuel for everything you want next. That’s evidence of the person you’ve become—and the one you’re becoming.

And here’s the part that really matters:

You’re not uncomfortable because it’s wrong. You’re uncomfortable because it’s unfamiliar.

Don’t go searching for a deep wound. Don’t decide you’re not impressive enough. Don’t pathologize the part of you that flinches at praise.

Just practice it. Let it be awkward. Let it be unpolished.

And let it work.

Because being impressed with yourself isn’t fluff—it’s a strategic advantage.

When you practice being impressed with yourself, here’s what changes:

🔹 You stop waiting for perfect proof before moving forward. 

🔹 You trust your next step more than your past results. 

🔹 You press send on the biggest proposal of your career. 

🔹 You sit at the table you used to believe was off-limits. 

🔹 You stop selling yourself short because you finally see the truth about who you are.

Not the version that’s humble to the point of hiding.

The version that knows her power.

And lets it lead.

True humility is honesty- about the challenges AND the strengths.

🎙 Tune into Episode 148 of The Self Trust Solution Podcast on November 19

I recorded this episode weeks ago. Weeks before this conversation with my guest for Season 3 (which will air in 2026). And it was proof that this is timely and important. 

It’s a short, simple, and powerful episode—a quiet but direct nudge to practice this skill.

Not to fake it. Not to shout it. But to hold it. Feel it. Let it guide you.

And then?

Go be the person who doesn’t just do impressive things…

Be the person who sees them. Claims them. And lets that truth carry you further.

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