Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship
1691: [Part 2] The Real Reason Self-Promotion Sucks by Margo Aaron of That Seems Important
May 18, 2025
Fear can make self-promotion feel daunting, but breaking it down into small steps can boost confidence. Gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations fosters growth in promoting oneself authentically. Building genuine relationships and framing conversations can shift self-promotion from feeling selfish to being genuinely helpful. Embracing discomfort and redefining success with self-awareness allows for a more authentic pursuit of meaningful work.
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Quick takeaways
- Self-promotion feels uncomfortable primarily due to fear, but acknowledging this fear can empower individuals to take action despite insecurities.
- Implementing the 'toe dip' method allows for a gradual increase in comfort with self-promotion, helping to normalize engagement in networking and pitching.
Deep dives
The Fear Behind Self-Promotion
Self-promotion often suffers due to an underlying fear that stifles action. Common worries include doubts about the quality of one’s pitch, the fear of judgment, and anxieties about whether anyone will care about the promoted idea. These fears can prevent individuals from making progress, leading them to prioritize fixing minor flaws instead of taking the leap to promote themselves. Acknowledging that pitch imperfections and external perceptions are inevitable can help individuals confront their fears and inspire them to act despite these insecurities.
