Why Celebrating Achievements Builds Confidence

Hello Linkedin Fam!

I want to talk about something that many of us—especially Asian women—struggle with:?acknowledging and celebrating our achievements.

Growing up in an Asian household, I was constantly reminded to be humble, to avoid the spotlight, and to never, ever brag. If I got good grades, my parents would say, "That’s what you're supposed to do." If I accomplished something big, it was met with "Don't get too full of yourself." Sound familiar?

For many of us, these cultural values have shaped how we see ourselves and our achievements. While humility is an incredible trait, there’s a fine line between being humble and?shrinking ourselves to the point where we don’t even recognize our own greatness.

Why This Mindset Hurts Us

Here’s the thing: When we downplay our achievements, we send a subconscious message to ourselves that our hard work doesn’t matter, that we’re never enough. Over time, this chips away at our confidence and makes it harder to step into our power.

Imagine this: You’ve worked incredibly hard for a promotion. But when someone congratulates you, instead of saying, "Thank you! I worked really hard for this," you deflect with, "Oh, it was nothing."?It wasn’t nothing!?It was your effort, your time, your dedication! But because we've been conditioned not to brag, we feel uncomfortable owning our success.

This mindset doesn't just affect us—it affects future generations. When young Asian girls and beyond see the women around them downplaying their success, they grow up believing that staying quiet and small is the "right" way to be. And that’s how cycles of self-doubt continue.

Achievements Are Not Arrogance

I know what some of you might be thinking: "But Sheena, I don’t want to be arrogant!" Trust me,?there’s a difference between arrogance and confidence.?Arrogance is about putting others down to elevate yourself. Confidence is about recognizing your worth, owning your power, and inspiring others to do the same.

When you celebrate your achievements, you’re not just doing it for yourself—you’re showing others what’s possible. You’re giving permission for the women around you to do the same. You’re rewriting the narrative that says Asian women should stay in the background.

How to Build Confidence Through Achievements

So, how do we break free from this limiting belief? Here are some steps:

1.?Own Your Wins (Big and Small!)

Start by keeping a?confidence journal.?Every time you accomplish something—whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, completing a big project, or even just taking time for self-care—write it down.?Seeing your achievements on paper makes them real and reminds you of how capable you are.

2.?Reframe How You Speak About Success

Next time someone compliments you, don’t brush it off. Instead of saying, "It was nothing," try saying, "Thank you, I worked really hard on that!" Simple, right? But it makes a huge difference in how you see yourself.

3.?Surround Yourself with Confident Women

Confidence is contagious. The more you surround yourself with women who?own their greatness,?the easier it becomes for you to do the same. Find mentors, join communities, and build a support system that celebrates achievements instead of downplaying them.

4.?Share Your Story

I know it can feel uncomfortable to talk about your success, but sharing your journey?inspires others. Whether it’s on social media, in a conversation with a friend, or in a professional setting—your story matters. Your achievements matter.?You matter.

5.?Redefine Humility

Being humble doesn’t mean erasing yourself. You can be both humble and confident. You can celebrate your success?and lift others up. Let’s redefine humility to include self-recognition and self-respect.

Your Success is a Beacon for Others

Here’s the truth: The world needs more women stepping into their power, owning their achievements, and showing up as their fullest selves.

Your success isn’t just for you—it’s for the women who come after you, the little girls who look up to you, and the generations who will follow in your footsteps. When you shine, you give others permission to shine, too.

Take Action Today

Are you ready to prepare the next generation of leaders? Here’s how I can help:

???1. Book Me as a Corporate Trainer or Speaker

Let me help your organization design and deliver a blended learning program that engages, inspires, and drives results. I specialize in confidence-building and practical strategies to create high-performing teams.

Book Sheena Yap Chan Here

???2. Pre-Order Bridging the Confidence Gap

In my new book with Wiley, I explore how confidence shapes success in the workplace and share actionable tools to help individuals and teams thrive. Pre-order your copy today to gain insights that will complement your training programs.

Pre-Order Here

???3. Take the Free Self-Confidence Quiz

Discover how confident you or your employees are and uncover tips to boost self-assurance in the workplace. Confidence is at the heart of effective learning and leadership.

Take the Quiz Here

So today, I want you to do one thing:?Celebrate yourself.?Share an achievement (big or small) with someone, even if it’s just in your confidence journal. Own it. Because?you are worthy, you are powerful, and you deserve to take up space.

Also, check out The Wealthy CEO Experience which is a carefully curated 7-day series featuring groundbreaking insights and strategies from highly successful, heart-centered business leaders. It's free to register.

Click here to register for your free spot.

Sheena

Connect With Me Here

P.S. If you are looking for ways to help women in your company increase their self-confidence to become effective leaders, you can contact me as I hold workshops and talks on this subject. You can contact me here.

P.P.S. Preorder my upcoming book Bridging the Confidence Gap. Click here to preorder your copy of the book

P.P.P.S. Order my book, The Tao of Self-Confidence today. Click here to order your copy of the book.