Lots of women find it difficult to achieve success in the workplace because they're reluctant to talk about their achievements. It can be hard not to seem too self-confident or arrogant when you feel like you deserve praise, but don't want people to think you're self-aggrandizing. Here are some suggestions to help break through that reluctance.

Preparing to Brag

Seek motivation.

Realize the value of self-promotion. By some estimates, the average woman still makes about $1 million less than the average man over their lifetimes. Self promotion can help to narrow the gap.

Observe your male co-workers and learn from them.

Adapt their bragging style to your own personality.

Build your confidence.

Take on new challenges. Learn a foreign language or a new dance. Sign up for accounting or computer courses online or at your local community college. These activities will make you more confident and might encourage you to boast.

Evaluate your strengths.

What are your skills and accomplishments? Do you have a talent with numbers, or do you know how to write better than the average person?

Ask for feedback.

Call up your friends and colleagues. Think about why you most often get praised. You might discover that you are good at negotiating or running conference logistics or handling contracts with vendors.

Document your achievements.

Start a "brag book." Write down when you save your company money or create an outstanding customer experience.

Limit self-deprecation.

Monitor what you say about yourself. Accept compliments when they are offered.

Manage stress.

You may feel awkward talking about yourself. To get over that, visualize a calming scene, like waves washing onto a shore or sheep grazing in a field. You can also try meditation or exercise to relax.

Strategies for Bragging

Start small.

Your grandparents will probably be enthusiastic about anything you have to say. Rehearse a story with them before you try it on your boss.

Network effectively.

Form alliances where you can say flattering things about each other to those higher up on the ladder. Women tend to be better at promoting their friends rather than themselves.

Focus on making specific and quantifiable statements.

For instance, saying you won two prestigious awards will sound more convincing than just stating you’re creative.

Be helpful and encouraging in your comments.

That way you'll enjoy a much better reception. Update your boss on how you completed a project ahead of schedule. You’ll demonstrate that you’re competent and efficient without having to say so directly. Become known for sharing your ideas as well as your accomplishments.

Choose your setting.

There’s a big difference between showcasing your skills at a job interview or performance evaluation and doing so at someone else’s retirement party. Ensure you have a receptive audience.

Hold yourself accountable.

Make sure to take responsibility for both your victories and defeats.It becomes easier to be taken seriously when your words are backed up by action.

Support Others.

One of the nicest things you can do for someone is to take an interest in their achievements. This makes them feel appreciated and they may also give back by praising your work as well.

Pace yourself.

It’s good to be comfortable talking about yourself. Just save it for the right time and place, and make sure you have plenty of other topics of conversation. Otherwise you might seem self-centered (just a tip!)

A little grandstanding can be a good thing for your career. It pays off even if it feels odd at first.