I used to to brag about myself at any opportunity. I thought I was smarter, better at soccer, etc than other people. And for some reason, I felt the need to brag.

And this seems true for many teens. Often conversations transform into taking turns bragging about yourself, and how much better you are than Billy or Kate, or the person you’re talking to.

Even worse, is insulting others. All of us have been there, and probably not thought much of  it. “Man he sucks.” “What’s wrong with her?” “I would never do that.” Negativity makes you feel better about yourself but can harm the other person. I know you would feel bad, if you heard people talking bad about you, so why would you do it to someone else?

Why do we feel the need to flaunt our perceived greatness and insult others? Honestly, if you feel the need to brag, you’re probably insecure. If you were secure about how great you are, than you wouldn’t need to tell people.

And I have news for you that it took me a while to figure out. You’re not as great as you think. I thought I was amazing at soccer, but than I realized that a huge amount of people in high school my age are amazing at soccer, or even more amazing.

And then there’s other states, and people younger and older, and people in other countries. Compared to the world, my skill in soccer isn’t so great. While it may seem great to people in a smaller group, compared to the world it isn’t great at all. There’s always someone better than you, and unless you’re incredibly gifted, many, many people will be.

There’re people better than you and people worse than you. Instead of bragging to feel as good as people better than you or putting others down who aren’t as good, accept things the way they are. Everyone is good at some things and bad at others. This is a beautiful part of humanity and one we should accept – not ridicule.

So you’re not as great as you think. And even if you’re great, there’s no need to brag. Most people are annoyed by bragging, and if you’re truly amazing at something, people will brag for you.

Let go of bragging and insulting. It’s not hard if you make a conscious effort. Stop yourself when you feel like bragging or insulting, than let the thought go. Saying it will only hurt you.

It’s hard to stop at first because you must break the habit. But as you go on, you will catch yourself before you brag or insult someone. Eventually, you won’t think the thoughts at all.

And when you let go of bragging, you will feel a new lightness. I know I did. And as a bonus, people will like and respect you more. And that is a great thing.