Stop Downplaying How Awesome You Are!

A few weeks ago, I had one of those moments that stops you dead in your tracks. I was speaking at an event, sitting on a panel, and I did what I always do—I introduced myself by talking about my messaging, my work, the problems I solve for people. Simple, humble, professional.

Then I sat back down, thinking I'd nailed it.

But my friend had other plans. He literally grabbed the microphone from someone else, stood up in front of the entire audience, and called me out.

"Angela," he said, "you didn't say anything about what you've achieved. You didn't mention helping thousands of women get their first pull-up. You didn't talk about being a six-time American Ninja Warrior competitor. Nothing about being Miss Fitness America or being on three fitness magazine covers. You're sitting here like a regular attendee, but you've done things that 99% of people in this room have never done."

I sat there, stunned. He was absolutely right.

Here I was, someone who literally teaches confidence and resilience for a living, and I had completely minimized everything I'd worked for. I stripped away my own hard-earned accomplishments. But why?

The Language That Shrinks Us

That moment made me realize how often we all do this. We use what I call "minimizing language" without even thinking about it:

• "I just managed to complete the project on time"
• "I only ran a 5K, not a marathon"
• "I think I can handle this task"
• "This might be a silly idea, but..."

Every time we use words like "just," "only," "I think," or "maybe," we're literally stealing power from our own achievements. We're training ourselves—and everyone around us—to see our wins as smaller than they actually are.

The Reframe That Changes Everything

What if instead of saying "I just completed the project on time," you said "I successfully completed the project on time"?

What if instead of "I only ran a 5K," you said "I ran a 5K"? Do you know how many people have never run a 5K? Stop making your achievements sound less than they are.

I've caught myself saying "I've only been on American Ninja Warrior six times." Only? Six times is extraordinary. Most people will never do it once.

The Challenge That Starts Today

I'm done minimizing my wins, and I want you to join me. Here's what I'm doing differently:

Catching myself in real-time. When I use minimizing language, I literally stop and correct myself out loud. "Angela, no. I didn't just do that. I successfully did that."

Celebrating wins out loud. Even the small ones. This week, I put makeup on every single day. That was a win for me because I wanted to show up confidently each day.

Speaking about myself like I would my best friend. I would never let my best friend downplay her achievements the way I downplay mine.

Your Turn

Right now, I want you to message a friend and tell them something amazing you've done recently. I know it feels awkward. Do it anyway.

Because here's what I learned that day: The way you speak about yourself sets the tone for everything in your life. If you downplay your achievements, the world will follow suit. But if you own your power and step into your confidence, the world will rise to meet you at that level.

No more "just." No more "only." No more hiding your greatness.

You are powerful beyond measure. It's time to start talking like it.