Applaud Yourself

Oddly enough, the first two definitions of the word “pride” in the Merriam-Webster dictionary directly contradict each other. Here’s the first definition:

1. Inordinate self-esteem; conceit

But that’s directly followed by this second definition:

2. Reasonable or justifiable self-respect

Personally, I think the dictionary got it wrong.  The attitude that it describes in the first definition is what I would call “false pride.” By contrast, the true pride described in the second definition is one of the most valuable and constructive emotions that an individual can experience.

Praise comes from others. Pride is a judgment that we form about ourselves. When we work hard, when we do right, when we make the responsible choice, those life choices become a legitimate source of pride, whether anyone else is there to praise us or not. Pride is the pat that we give ourselves on the back when we know that we have lived up to our best self.

We don’t have to commit a heroic act of epic proportion to legitimately feel pride – it’s an emotion that comes in all shapes and sizes. The good thing about pride is that it creates a benign cycle within our hearts and minds. It would be a great world if right action always resulted in a reward, but life is trickier than that. Many a hero goes unsung. At the very least, however, we can applaud ourselves when we display integrity, courage, reliability, accountability, kindness, or any of a long list of other qualities that make the world a better place.

So, the next time you do something worthy, take pride in it and give yourself a hand. You deserve it!

Think of something specific that you’ve done recently that’s a worthy source of pride in yourself. Then think about something positive that you could do tomorrow – and do it!