Be Your Own Biggest Fan
Why Self-Recognition Matters
Recently, I had the incredible honor of being featured in three separate magazine articles in less than one year. First, Voyage Denver, then Bold Journey, and most recently, Canvas Rebel. To say I was thrilled would be an understatement. After each feature was published, I celebrated by sharing the news on my Instagram feed and story, reposting the articles on my blog, and basking in the excitement of it all. But in the middle of all this celebration, a small voice in my head questioned my enthusiasm. Why was I making such a big deal out of this? Was I trying to prove something to others? Did sharing my success come off as bragging?
After some reflection, I realized the answer was much simpler: I am ridiculously proud of myself. These features may not have been Vogue or Time Magazine, but to me, they represented something monumental. They were proof of my growth, my hard work, and my ability to articulate my journey in a way that felt authentic and meaningful. I wasn’t celebrating to seek validation from others; I was celebrating because I deserved to. And that’s when it hit me: the most important recognition I’ll ever receive is from myself.
Why Self-Recognition Matters
It’s easy to rely on external validation—compliments from loved ones, applause from colleagues, or acknowledgment from strangers—to affirm our worth. And while having a strong support system is invaluable, it’s not enough if we’re not willing to cheer for ourselves. Self-recognition is the foundation of confidence. It’s the act of looking at your own accomplishments and saying, "Wow, I did that," without feeling the need to downplay, deflect, or diminish your achievements.
When I treated my magazine features as though they were front-page news, it wasn’t because I was delusional or arrogant. It was because I knew how much effort went into earning those opportunities. I knew how carefully I crafted my responses to the interview questions, how thoughtfully I presented myself, and how authentically I shared my story. It didn’t matter how credible others thought the magazines were or whether anyone else even read the articles. What mattered was that I was proud, and that pride was worth celebrating.
When you’re unapologetically proud of yourself, it’s contagious. The energy you put out—one of confidence, gratitude, and celebration—is magnetic. It’s not about bragging or trying to prove something; it’s about showing the world what’s possible when you work hard and believe in yourself. By being vocal about your accomplishments, you’re not just giving yourself the recognition you deserve; you’re also inspiring others to celebrate their own wins.
There’s something undeniably attractive about a person who owns their success. It’s a form of manifestation, too. When you openly celebrate your achievements, you’re signaling to the universe that you’re ready for more. You’re affirming your worthiness of success and abundance, which only brings more opportunities your way.
How to Be Your Own Biggest Fan
Some simple steps on how to slowly but surely become your own cheerleader:
Acknowledge Your Wins
Take time to reflect on your accomplishments, big or small. Write them down, share them with friends, or celebrate them publicly if that feels right to you.
Silence the Doubts
If you catch yourself worrying about what others might think, remind yourself that your pride in your achievements is valid. You’re not seeking approval; you’re affirming your own worth.
Celebrate Loudly
Don’t shy away from sharing your successes. Post about them, talk about them, and let your excitement be seen and heard. Your joy is worth celebrating!
Inspire Others
Remember that your confidence can inspire those around you. By owning your success, you’re giving others permission to do the same.
Being your own biggest fan isn’t about arrogance or seeking attention; it’s about honoring the work you’ve put in and the growth you’ve achieved. Whether it’s a magazine feature, a promotion, or a personal milestone, your accomplishments deserve recognition—especially from yourself. So go ahead, celebrate loudly and proudly. You’ve earned it and you got this. <3
XO,
𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆