How to Be Proud of Yourself Without Being Prideful

Celebrating victories small and big and being proud of your accomplishments can indeed be a good thing. However, we must always be mindful of our heart and its intentions, because the sin of pride can start to creep in if we are not careful. Personally, I believe if we have the right perspective, a perspective of giving all our glory to God when we find success in our lives, we are on the true path to sainthood.

You may wonder what giving all our glory to God looks like. I can think of no better example than the highest saint in Heaven: the Blessed Virgin Mary. In her Magnificat, she gives perfect praise to God after receiving the most perfect gift: Jesus Christ in her womb.

“And Mary said: ‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.’” Luke 1:46-55

You will notice in the Blessed Virgin Mary’s Magnificat that all her focus is on God. She does not proclaim her greatness but the Lord’s greatness. She rejoices in God because of this good gift of life of the Savior within her. In other words, she is proud of the works that God has done and does not take pride in herself but in the Giver of these gifts.

So, whenever you get that promotion or get a good grade on an assignment that shows your hard work, celebrate these victories but never forget to thank  who made it all possible. God breathed life in you and gave you a mind to think and study, a heart to love, and most importantly, a soul with which to bless Him and to be with Him in Heaven for eternity. God says we are “the light” in the following verse from Sacred Scripture.

“’You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.’” Matthew 5:14-16

Our “good deeds” should not only reflect God’s light but bring others to Him. Never forget that having the mindset that everything good comes from the Almighty will keep us on the right path. Another point worth mentioning is that if celebrating your victories is an avenue for you to boast of your accomplishments, do not do so. This teaching is in Sacred Scripture as well.

“’(But) take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites 2 do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.’” Matthew 6:1-8

Ultimately, if you are unsure whether you are being prideful or not, meditate on the Blessed Virgin Mary and her actions. Have a conversation with her about it. Let her guide you in humility, and rejoice in all the good God has done for you.