Basking in Your Own Glory: A Guide to Owning Your Awesomeness
By Michael Kelman Portney
Let’s talk about something people love to hate but secretly crave: basking in your own glory. I don’t mean the obnoxious, performative kind where you spend 45 minutes humblebragging on Instagram about how you “totally didn’t expect this award” (while holding it in perfect lighting). No, I’m talking about the pure, unfiltered act of standing in your own spotlight and soaking it all in.
Basking in your own glory is an art. It’s about owning your achievements unapologetically, without shrinking yourself for the comfort of others. And honestly? It’s long overdue for most of us.
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Why Bask in Your Glory?
Because you fucking earned it. That’s why.
We live in a world where modesty is expected to the point of self-erasure. People want you to succeed, but only if you downplay it enough to seem “relatable.” Screw that. If you’ve done something worth celebrating, you owe it to yourself to actually celebrate.
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The Rules of the Glory Game
1. Own It Without Apologies
First things first: stop apologizing for your greatness. If you crushed a project, hit a milestone, or just woke up today feeling like a badass, say it. Don’t couch it in qualifiers like, “I got lucky,” or, “It’s not a big deal.” If it wasn’t a big deal, people wouldn’t notice.
Example: Instead of saying, “Oh, it wasn’t that hard,” try saying, “Yeah, I worked my ass off, and it paid off.”
2. Stand in Your Spotlight
This is your moment. Whether it’s a small victory or a life-changing milestone, let yourself feel the magnitude of it. Take a minute—or an hour, or a week—to soak in the fact that you did something amazing.
Pro Tip: Throw a party, even if it’s just for yourself. Break out the champagne, order the fancy sushi, or blast your victory playlist. You’re the guest of honor.
3. Shut Down the Haters
The second you start basking, the haters will come out of the woodwork with their “constructive criticism” or their “must be nice” comments. Let them. Their opinions don’t matter when you’re standing in the glow of your own awesomeness.
Response Strategy: Smile, nod, and mentally file their opinions under “irrelevant.”
4. Make It a Habit
Basking isn’t a one-time thing. If you only celebrate the big stuff, you’re missing out. Start recognizing the small wins, the incremental progress, and the moments where you absolutely nailed it—even if no one else noticed.
Example: Finished a workout? Bask. Landed a killer deal at the thrift store? Bask. Made it through a tough day without losing your shit? Bask.
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The Benefits of Basking
1. Confidence on Steroids
When you bask in your glory, you’re reminding yourself of what you’re capable of. It’s like giving your confidence a protein shake and sending it to the gym.
2. Setting the Standard
By celebrating your wins, you’re showing the world (and yourself) what you’re about. It’s not arrogance—it’s raising the bar for what you expect from life and from yourself.
3. Motivation Fuel
Glory basking isn’t just about looking back—it’s about moving forward. When you take time to celebrate your wins, you’re more motivated to chase the next one.
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What Basking Isn’t
Let’s get one thing straight: basking in your own glory isn’t about being a narcissistic jerk. It’s not about rubbing your success in other people’s faces or pretending you’re flawless. It’s about celebrating your efforts, your growth, and your ability to show up and deliver.
It’s NOT: Bragging incessantly on social media.
It IS: Recognizing your worth and letting yourself feel proud without needing anyone else’s approval.
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Final Thought: Shine On
Basking in your glory isn’t selfish—it’s self-care. It’s about taking the time to recognize what you bring to the table and letting yourself revel in it. So stop downplaying your greatness. Stop waiting for permission to celebrate.
Turn up your favorite song. Pop the champagne. Stand in front of the mirror and say, “Damn, I’m good.”
Because you are. And it’s time you let the world know.
