Making pride a positive force in our lives

By Brian Maynor

 

Pride cometh before the fall.  No one likes a show off.  Egotistical.

When it comes to pride, the most common musings and feelings are that it is a negative thing to be avoided because it elevates self over others.

Like most things, pride is not entirely bad.  In fact, giving and receiving praise for a job well done is healthy and important.  Imagine how different life would be if we never received praise or recognized others.

The key to making pride a positive in our lives is balancing it with humility.  When we humbly accept praise, we are maintaining balance and preventing our pride from becoming excessive.  It is when we have too much pride is that the negative connotations start coming into play.

Here are five reasons pride is a good thing to have, and how it impacts our life in a positive way:

1.   Pride helps us maintain high standards.  When we take pride in what we do, no matter what area of life that is, we tend to have higher standards than others.  These high-standards in turn mean our ‘products’ are going to be higher-quality.

2.    Pride makes us resilient.  Just because we’re proud of what we’re doing doesn’t mean there won’t be setbacks.  When we hit a bump, our pride is what keeps us going in the face of difficulties, obstacles and even negativity.

3.    Pride is a sign we care.  Taking pride in something means we care about it, prioritize it and are committed to making it succeed.  If we aren’t taking pride in something, then it’s a pretty good sign we don’t really care about it.

4.    Pride spawns leadership.  When we are proud of something, we fight for it and protect it, which usually means we end up becoming an advocate and leader.

5.    Pride protects those we care about.  When we are proud of our friends and family, we defend them, do what we can to help them and don’t allow them to suffer.

There is nothing wrong with feeling good, or proud, of doing something well.  We work hard for our accomplishments and deserve recognition for our success, but we also need to stay humble.

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.