There is a story about a knight who walked into the King’s throne room after a long journey that involved many great feats. 

The knight approached the King, offered a diplomatic bow in salute, and, with his sword in hand, faced the King and proclaimed: 

“I am the greatest knight in all the land.”

The next day, one of the King’s noblemen who had traveled far and wide walked into the King’s throne room. Because of their shared history, this nobleman was greatly trusted by the King and was eager for his message. 

The nobleman approached the King, offered a diplomatic bow in salute, and then turned towards the door and proclaimed:

“I want to introduce you to the greatest knight in all the land.” 

Who did the King believe?

What you say about yourself, while it may be true, is greatly diminished without being validated by those around you. You may be the greatest knight in all the land, but if you have to tell us…it’s much harder to believe. 

It is what people say about you that is more verifiable. 

Spend less time proclaiming and promoting yourself and more time actually being a great knight. There will certainly be a modern version of the nobleman who will do the promoting for you.