Frequently you’ll see someone express gratitude, be humble, and share the credit with their team, colleagues, or collaborators.

And sometimes they will commit one of the most egregious offenses I can think of in that moment; they’ll discount their achievement.

I remember once watching an awards show and as the recipient was handed the award, he made an attempt at being humble by stating, “Wow, I guess the value of these just went down.”

People do this every day and they don’t need an award to do it. I hear it in meetings frequently. Someone will stand up in front of a group of their peers and colleagues and basically profess how lame they are. And they are never more lame as they are in that moment.

Part of me appreciates the alignment of concept, mindset, and action. After all, why just tell people you’re lame when you can also show them? And yes, we laugh when someone does this but is it really funny? Really?

Pulling no punches I’ll tell you that self-deprecating humor and/or discounting achievements is for losers. It’s dishonoring of yourself as well as the achievement, and it is diametrically opposed to the mindset of being successful.

Professional athletes – especially champions – never do this. They don’t suggest they’re weak, hint that they are inept, or joke that they suck. They hardly do it when they really screw up, let alone when they succeed. Simply put, champions never apologize for being awesome. Ever. And neither should you.

Your outer script illustrates what you think people “should” think about you and it influences them. Your inner script illustrates and affects how you think and feel about yourself. Be mindful of what you’re saying to yourself because, frankly, you’re listening.

Whatever you tell yourself becomes true. If you joke that you’re a weenie, you are. If you state that you’re awesome, you are (or, at least, will be). Whatever you think – and broadcast – you’re right.

You have goals. You know the actions that are in alignment with attaining those goals. Ensure your mindset is also aligned. Thinking or even just joking that you suck isn’t conducive to success. Actions influence success. Mindset influences actions. It all starts with your thoughts.

As I’ve said before, the first step in making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is understanding that you’re hungry for one.

Think success. Speak success. Be successful. And never apologize for it. Appreciating and acknowledging yourself reinforces your success, and you’re likely to have more of it. This might seem backward in a world where self-deprecation is held as a badge of honor. But there is no shortage of ways in which the world has it backward, right?!

Where in your business, or life, can you better align your mindset, your inner and outer script, and your actions with achieving your goals? Like, share or comment on Facebook! And for inspirational messages (or random goofy stuff) follow me on Twitter and Instagram!

It’s your kingdom. Make it REIGN.