Feeling Proud of Oneself

Pride is a natural and very necessary emotion for personal development and self-esteem. However, it has two very different connotations, which we encounter in various ways throughout our lives.

On one hand, it can be viewed negatively, often accompanied by another difficult feeling—arrogance. It’s also commonly associated with feelings of superiority or envy—behaviors that are generally frowned upon by others.

On the other hand, pride can be experienced from a positive perspective; it’s that feeling of happiness and satisfaction after accomplishing something we set out to do, for example. However, this emotion isn’t limited to our own actions—we can also feel proud of the achievements of others, like family members or someone close to us. And that is precisely the topic we’ll be exploring today.

Let’s begin by asking ourselves: When was the last time we expressed being proud of ourselves? We’re so used to living fast-paced lives that we often overlook our victories because of the speed at which we live. However, this is unfair—we should feel proud at every moment.

Pride has to do with how we feel about ourselves, and it contributes to our self-esteem by helping us love and value ourselves in a fair and balanced way. It even helps us recognize our strengths.

Feeling proud of ourselves should not mean being arrogant—it’s simply an act of self-love, an affirmation that allows us to see what we’ve achieved, what we’ve overcome, and value who we are today. It means looking back and giving ourselves credit for every moment and situation we’ve lived through. That kind of pride is completely healthy and helps us maintain emotional, mental, and even physical well-being.

Despite how important it is to feel proud of ourselves, it’s not always easy to do. That’s why it’s helpful to make a list of our personal achievements, to remember how many times we’ve faced our fears, and lastly—but just as importantly—to treat ourselves kindly and speak to ourselves with the same compassion and gratitude we offer to others.

The benefits of feeling proud of ourselves are many, including:

• Boosts self-esteem: When we get used to recognizing our achievements, our self-esteem grows—even if those achievements aren’t extraordinary. Everything counts, from saying “no” when necessary to making it through a tough day.

• Motivates us to move forward: Pride acts as fuel. After overcoming difficult times, it encourages us to keep going with greater drive and enthusiasm.

• Reduces the need for external validation: Depending on others’ approval is a very normalized behavior, but when we feel proud of ourselves, we no longer need that validation because we feel fulfilled from within.

• Increases resilience: When we acknowledge our own value, we become more resilient in difficult moments. Even when we make mistakes or face failure, we still feel worthy because of that internal pride that helps us build a strong foundation.

• It’s contagious: The attitude we project when we feel proud of ourselves is noticeable, and it can inspire others. As a result, we motivate others to recognize their own worth.

In summary, we can conclude that feeling proud of oneself is an essential part of personal growth. That’s why it’s important to learn to look in the mirror with kindness, recognizing ourselves in every small or big step we take.