What’s Up with Folks Who Always Self-Promote?

Summary

The article humorously critiques the habit of constant self-promotion while encouraging those who are hesitant to share their achievements.

Abstract

The article titled "What’s Up with Folks Who Always Self-Promote?" playfully scrutinizes the behavior of individuals who excessively share their successes on social media. The author expresses a mix of annoyance and fascination towards those who seem to have an endless stream of victories, from winning multiple Pulitzer Prizes to chance encounters with Oprah. The piece satirically questions the authenticity of such relentless self-promotion and the need for constant validation. In contrast, the author offers a supportive space for the less boastful, acknowledging the importance of celebrating one's own achievements, no matter how small. The article concludes by cheering for the humble and those who hesitate to share their successes, fostering a sense of community and mutual encouragement.

Opinions

The author is ambivalent about constant self-promotion, feeling both irritation and admiration.
There is a suggestion that relentless self-promoters may exaggerate their achievements, focusing only on the "highlights."
The article gently mocks the tendency to dramatize life events for attention and to seek validation through social media.
It is implied that self-promoters might be addicted to the attention they receive online.
The author values genuine achievements and encourages readers to acknowledge and share their own accomplishments, regardless of their scale.
There is an underlying message that everyone's achievements are worth celebrating, and that sharing successes can be done in a way that is supportive rather than boastful.

And a big cheer for those who find it hard to do.

Why is it some people need to promote themselves frequently? They need to proclaim their successes, multiple times a day. Sometimes I’m annoyed. Other times I’m in awe, like they are some rare species and I’m trying to figure them out. Sometimes I wish I could share as freely but not as often.

Sometimes I wonder do they ever NOT have success? How do they do it? What magic do they eat/drink on the daily that encourages them to overshare every single fucking detail. [Caveat only the highlights].

OMG, I did it again. I got the Pulitzer Prize in FIVE categories and then I went to the grocery store and was coincidentally interviewed by Oprah. Serendipity at its best! We were right there in the potato chip aisle. She loves potato chips JUST as much as I do. Who would have known!

After that, you won’t-believe-it. OMG!! But LET me tell you anyway!! The book I submitted 10 minutes ago JUST got accepted by this FAB publisher while I was depositing my royalty checks for my last book. I’m so thrilled and deeply hummmmmmbbbbblllleee. [insert selfie with surprised look!]

And get this, while wearing a ratty tee shirt (points to a gorgeous tee) which was given to me by dearest, most popular author who happens to be my BFF. They insisted I wear it today and guess who saw it?!? You’ll n-e-v-e-r guess!! And I won’t tell you until my NEXT post [in 15 minutes] because I’m having a mani-pedi while getting my hair done.

BTW, which cut should I get? Let’s ALL vote!! Because, of course, I need the attention from everyone including a thousand wildebeests. Regardless of what you vote, I’ll do whatever I please, but it gives me the attention I A-D-O-R-E.

And finally they add,

My life is so, like, overwhelmingly amazing BUT that’s my life. How’s yours?

Me: Well, Um, I, well, Umm. I fed my cat.

So, here’s your chance for all of us who rarely brag, promote, market our latest anything to make a list and write down your achievements. One by one, no matter how big or small. It’s important!

For instance, I ate a super healthy breakfast. I had a cinnamon donut at midnight. I wrote five more pages of my novel. I asked a friend over for a social distancing glass of fun juice.

Share anything!

Write your accomplishments in the comment section and we’ll all cheer together!!

Yay for the small fry, for the quieter species, for the truly humble!!! Yay for those who are terrified to share their success because what if that hurts someone else’s feelings!!

Hope you enjoyed celebrating your achievements. You deserve it and so do I.

Carolyn Riker is a writer, social activist, licensed psychotherapist, a lover of learning & words. She has a private counseling practice and offers creative writing workshops and coaching. She’s on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and her 3 books are available on Amazon.