Get out of your own way

No one is a better advocate for your work...than you. At the same time, no one is a worse enemy of your efforts, than you. It doesn’t matter what you say about yourself, your work will always speak for itself. The problem is your self-assessment of your work distracts people from the obvious quality of your work. If you feel the need to tell people how awesome your work is...it probably isn’t that awesome. If you have to tell people your talented...then you aren’t that talented!

In a world where self-promotion seems to be the norm, there’s something refreshing about letting your work speak for itself. In many fields—from the creative arts to business—people often feel the need to shout their accomplishments from the rooftops. However, there's a quieter, more impactful approach that can make a lasting impression: allowing your work to stand on its own merit.

When you let your work do the talking, it conveys authenticity. It shows that you are confident in your abilities and the quality of what you create. This approach can be particularly powerful in our fast-paced, noise-filled world where people are bombarded with countless self-promoting messages.

Imagine a captivating painting in an art gallery. It doesn’t need an elaborate backstory or aloud sales pitch; its beauty and skill draw viewers in and provoke thought. Similarly, when you present your work confidently and allow its quality to shine through, people take notice without needing constant reinforcement.

People are naturally drawn to authenticity. When you allow your work to speak for itself, you build trust. Clients and customers appreciate transparency and are more likely to engage with someone who isn’t overly promotional. They look for sincerity and want to know they’re investing in something worth their time and money.

By letting your work take center stage, you position yourself as a reliable expert in your field. Your achievements will resonate more deeply when they are not simply boasted about but are instead evidenced by the quality and impact of your work.

In our social media-saturated, self-obsessed world, where trends overshadow talent, it’s important to remember the value of depth over breadth. Letting your work speak for itself can help you stand out in an overcrowded space, becoming synonymous with quality rather than just loud noise.

The best advertising is always person-to-person. Giving your work a chance to shine can lead to organic promotion through word-of-mouth and referrals. When people love what you do, they will share it, amplifying your reach without you having to highlight every win. Over time, your modest approach will build a reputation based on quality and consistency.

People love stories, so don’t shy away from sharing the journey behind your work. Discussing challenges, lessons learned, and moments of inspiration can provide context that enhances your work’s impact without overshadowing its inherent quality.

This doesn’t mean you should entirely avoid sharing your accomplishments. There’s a balance to be struck between confidence and humility. Celebrating milestones and sharing successes in moderation allows you to build honesty while maintaining humility.

In a society that often equates louder voices with greater success, choosing to let your work speak for itself is bold and refreshing. Allowing your work to resonate independently can cultivate authenticity, trust, and a strong reputation. Constantly selling yourself will diminish the strength of your own voice.

So, the next time you’re tempted to sell yourself, pause for a moment. Instead, take pride in your work, let its quality shine, and watch as it draws the attention it rightfully deserves. Remember, sometimes silent confidence is the loudest statement of all.