Self-Promotion

God has had it with the proud,

but takes delight in just plain people.

So be content with who you are,

and don't put on airs.

God's strong hand is on you;

He'll promote you at the right time.

1 Peter 5:5b-6

I greatly admire people with just the right amount of self-confidence. Much of the time, I am greatly lacking in that area of my life.  I have been told several times over the years that I "do not interview well," with one employer even saying I was the "world's worst" interviewee [not sure why they hired me anyway].  I find it difficult to talk about my accomplishments - a tactic which does not work well in the job search process!  I think that I am afraid that people will perceive me as boastful or arrogant.

I went to elementary school with a young girl named Judy.  We were both singers, had fairly well-matched voices, used to sing duets at recitals, did quite a bit of acting, and performed before the listening public often--I on television and Judy on the radio.  In the confidence department, however, we were as different as night and day.  Judy was naturally outgoing, friendly, self-confident, gregarious, and unafraid to "sell" her talents and abilities, even in 5th grade.  She became a famous Broadway actress; I became a high school music teacher.  Her temperament was perfect for the stage; mine excelled in the classroom.

Looking back, there are times when I nostalgically wish I had put myself out there more, catered to a wider audience, pushed for the brass ring.  On the days when I teach voice at the high school Specialty Center for the Arts, however, I realize that quiet, less confident me is right where I belong, I'm needed, and I'm happy.