“Don’t sell yourself short because without that you can’t go far in life because after sports the only thing you know is sports and you can’t do anything else with that.” – Bo Jackson

Sometimes we fall into a trap of not ackowledging the great things we do. This post will focus on what does to you and how to overcome it.

What Is “Selling Yourself Short”?

The Cambridge Dictionary defines Selling Yourself Short is to not consider someone or something to be as valuable or good as he, she, or it deserves:
Don’t sell yourself short – you’ve got the skills and the experience.

“Selling Yourself Short” can take form various ways. It can be in the way you talk about successful things to accomodate other people- to not seem arrogant.

Some people may not understand and/or may view you talking about your accomplishments and talents as arrogant. It’s okay to be confident about your ambitions and skills.

Consequences Of Selling Yourself Short

Selling Yourself Short may not seem like a big deal, however it can cause some major shortcomings.

Regret

“The two most important days in a person’s life are the day they were born, and the day they find out why.”  — John Maxwell

Not taking the intiative to apply for a dream job will result in regret. When you purposely place yourself in the background for other people to feel better, you can end up living in disappointment for where you could have been.

Losing Opportunities

Making the milsestones you have achieved as small come-ups, to accomodate other people can harm you. Places where you could have gone far in whatever industry that caters to your talents will be oversighted.

Diminished creativity

Creative thinking can be affected- you will be demotivated due to being in regret from losing opportunities. You won’t be able to enjoy showcasing your talents/skills because you have a fear that you will be shunned.

Entrepreuner website has a post that lists some outcomes that can result from selling yourself short. Click here

How To Stop Jeapordizing Yourself

There are some ways in which you can counteract “selling yourself short” and bounce back.

Take Risks

If you tend to have a fear of showcasing your talents because you’ve always accomodated other people- taking risks may assist you. Going to auditions, approaching places or people to train under, can be a starting point. It may seem hard but is worth it, since it will get you out of your shell to create again.

Go Somewhere New

Taking yourself somewhere out your own element can refresh your mind. Being in a different place can open your mind and inspire you to explore your talents in new ways.

My posts How to recharge and How to utilise a new year to your creative advantage explore how you can tap into this.

Surround Yourself With Like Minded People

“Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about those who don’t. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would most likely be worth it.” ― Harvey MacKay

Surrounding yourself with people who are within the same field that your skills are catered in will benefit you. You’re able to get mentors or coaches who can give you knowledge and even train you- leading you to grow more.

Conclusion

Sometimes “selling yourself short” may seem like a humbling thing to do but it can be counterproductive.

Accept that you are skilled in whatever talents you have and “sell yourself” to get the opportunities you need and do what you love.