Shining our light

Is it ever OK to brag?

On a trip to the Scottish Highlands, our tour guide Jim told us the extensive list of famous Scottish people who have done amazing things.

Did you know the father of modern economics was Scottish? That the TV was invented by a Scott? As was the telephone, the pedal bike, fingerprinting, the pneumatic tyre, and penicillin? Chloroform, logarithms, and the kaleidoscope…

Their inventions have literally transformed the world.

 As I listened, I was in awe of Scottish ingenuity.

And amazed I didn’t know where these innovations had come from.

“Scots are very modest,” he offered as an explanation. “We were brought up to be humble. Not to brag.”

We were probably all told when we were little that it’s rude to show off.

To gloss over our achievements, or talk about them apologetically. 

But if we want to make an impact, be memorable and convince others, we have to be OK to talk about what we’ve done well.

Not by telling people what to do, but by sharing success stories.

In a spirit of generosity. Simply stating the facts.

• Our story might help solve a problem because we’ve been there before.

• It builds our credibility.

• We could even inspire someone into action!

We need to be comfortable with bragging nicely. 

And it’s OK to get excited and show the passion too! 

The Scottish legacy of invention lives on in our everyday lives.

How can you brag, but nicely – so you can make an impact in yours?

Photo: Connor Mollison on Unsplash