Celebrate ya own damn self!

My friends' two year old very enthusiastically cheers herself, like all the time! LOL #tooCute

Undoubtedly, she is mimicking her parents' responses to her; but it just cracks me up because I think 'that's the spirit!' 

She puts her toys back into the toy box then yells her name and adds "jozu" (good job).
She removes her bib, then puts it on again - "name jozu"
She correctly names an object in both English and Japanese - "name sugoi" (amazing).

She's recently begun to learn to use chopsticks. At the start of her meal she does what I call a 'ceremonial bite' by using the chopsticks to put the first bit of food into her mouth then tossing it and using her spoon the rest of the way LOL.  Needless to say (though I still am gonna say it) she yells her name and adds "sugoi" for that one use of the chopsticks LOL.


Like most things though, it's always cuter when a baby does it, but it still got me thinking, maybe it's not such a bad idea to give yourself a pat on the back every once in a while.

Self praise is no recommendation... or is it?
After praise number five or six, my friend (the toddler's mom) often tries to rein her daughter in by telling her to cool it - praising yourself is not good.  This is equally funny since the toddler doesn't understand what her mom is advising. But, does mom have a point?

It all depends.  What does the evidence say?

When Usain Bolt ran across the finish line and thumped his chest; or when Serena Williams did a fist pump after scoring a point; or when a football player flexed his muscle after taking the ball into the end zone; were those times appropriate times to celebrate themselves?

How about when someone completes a period of study and posts their graduation photo and a copy of their transcript on their social media page?  Or when someone starts an exercise regimen and frequently broadcasts their progress, is it ok then?
With the advent of social media more people have certainly got a platform to showcase themselves.  But ever tooo often I read dissenting comments on this practice - usually along the lines of the celebrant being a showoff.
 
If you ask me, it's the fake humility that's disgusting.  Pretending to downplay your efforts because, for some reason, acknowledging that you believe you deserve accolades for your success might be offensive, is ridiculous.
Sorry, #notSorry but why is it my fault that you are jealous?  #whosDisingenuousNow

The flip side
Meaningful life is all about balance of course.  Celebrating yourself is no different.
So here are some pointers.

1. Taunting is not classy - it's ok to cheer your success without pointing out another's failure
2. Share the spotlight - it's also ok to acknowledge someone else's contribution to your success and not lose any of your shine
3. Keep your feet on the ground - becoming successful, even the best in your field, doesn't make you a better human being than everybody else.  You still gotta follow the rules, pay your taxes and obey the speed limit when you drive.


Dance like no one is watching
According to my Bing search, some dude named William W. Purkey (never heard of him) is credited for reminding us not to become overly concerned about what we think other people think:

"You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like there's nobody listening, And live like it's heaven on earth."
Though if I could just interject a quick addendum for my tone deaf friends "Sing (in your bathroom) like there's nobody listening"... because we really don't want to be.

But I digress #forgiveMe

Why should you wait until someone else says 'jozu' or 'sugoi' in reference to your work when nothing's wrong with your own mouth? 

Celebrating yourself comes out of a belief that you have done something worthwhile and believe that thing is worthy of recognition - even if it's your own recognition... for now.
Besides, according to Everett Rodgers' Diffusion Theory, most people are Late Adopters anyway and your accomplishments might end up only getting posthumous recognition. #alotOfGoodThatWillDoYou