Keep it to yourself

The world doesn’t need to know everything about you.

Growing up, I was often overshared. If I had a thought, a feeling, a funny story, a plan, or an accomplishment, I always told others or posted on social media.

I thought sharing everything would make me more likable or impressive, but it only brought me problems. Behind the covers, I was just deeply insecure and craved external validation.

Most people thought I was an arrogant showboat and never took me seriously. And the pressure of constantly being under a spotlight made failures even more embarrassing when things didn’t work out.

In the age of social media where everyone is racing to show off the next big thing — whether it’s a new job, relationship, or luxury purchase — it’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of oversharing. But true wealth is stealth, and I believe you should keep most things to yourself.

Move in silence.

Don’t announce your plans before they happen. Work on them in silence and let the results speak for themselves. When you constantly talk about what you’re going to do, you invite unnecessary scrutiny, doubt, and even sabotage. Not everyone wants to see you succeed, and some will actively work against you.

You don’t need to impress anyone with your plans, accomplishments, and wealth, plus most people probably won’t care anyway.

Truly worthy people won’t be impressed by the things you show off. They will associate with you for who you are and not what you have. Real relationships, whether friendships or romantic, are built on character and values, not on material possessions or status.

Be lowkey and try not to flaunt your wealth either. You see all these people wearing flashy clothes with brand logos all over them — these people are rarely wealthy. The truly wealthy don’t need to show off like that. True success is quiet — it doesn’t need validation.

I believe you lose what you flex. When you constantly show off your wins, you invite unnecessary scrutiny, envy, and sometimes even sabotage. Not everyone wants to see you succeed, and some will actively work against you.

Not everyone needs to know what’s going on in your life — it’s more information for them to use against you. The less people know, the less they can interfere or judge. It’s less ammo for them when things go sour. Protect your peace.

It also attracts jealousy, which makes people do irrational things. There is a reason why some people and homes get robbed. The more you advertise your success, the more you become a target to others.

And finally, stay off social media if you can. Or at least don’t blast every detail of your life all over social media. Social media is not real life, and validation from strangers is fleeting and meaningless. Focus on real-world experiences instead.

You don’t need to share every thought, feeling, or problem with the world — most people are too preoccupied with their own lives to even care about your life. Outside of your closest friends, family, or a trusted partner, few people will genuinely be there for you, so why waste your energy sharing with those who don’t matter?

This also applies to dating and friendships. You may think that being an open book might seem like a good way to connect with someone, but revealing too much too soon can actually work against you.

Mystery is attractive. When you hold back a little and let someone get to know you gradually, it keeps them intrigued and wanting to learn more. If you lay everything out immediately — your past relationships, childhood traumas, and future plans, you risk overwhelming the other person and losing that natural curiosity that makes the relationship exciting.

Think about the people you find interesting. Chances are, they don’t reveal everything right away. There’s always more to discover about them, and that’s what keeps you engaged. The less people know, the more they wonder. So let others learn about you over time, through meaningful interactions, rather than through a flood of social media posts or long-winded explanations.

Of course, sometimes you just need to say things out loud — Keeping everything bottled up isn’t healthy either. But instead of oversharing with just anyone, you should find a trusted outlet — a close friend, a partner, a therapist, or even a journal. Writing down your thoughts can help you process them without needing external validation.

Talking to the right people ensures that your words are met with genuine care rather than judgment or gossip. It’s not about staying silent — it’s about being intentional and selective with who you open up to.

And above all, learn to enjoy your own company. When you’re comfortable being alone, you stop relying on external validation and become more confident in yourself. People are naturally drawn to those who don’t need constant attention or approval.

At the end of the day, not everything needs to be shared. Your goals, your struggles, and your achievements are yours — not fuel for gossip, validation, or competition. The less you seek approval, the more you build real confidence and real relationships. The less you reveal, the more control you have over your own life.

However, there are times when you do need to speak up about your achievements, like in a job interview, when you’re trying to sell a product, build a brand, or establish yourself in a competitive field. People need to know why you’re worth their time, money, or attention. If you’re too modest or reserved, you risk being overlooked.

The key is to strike a balance — communicate your value without coming across as arrogant or desperate for validation. Being strategic about when and how you share your successes ensures that you’re not oversharing for the sake of attention but rather positioning yourself for genuine opportunities.

The emptiest can rattles the loudest. People who constantly brag, overshare, or seek validation are often the most insecure. True confidence is quiet because it doesn’t need an audience. When you’re truly secure in yourself, you don’t feel the need to prove anything to anyone — you simply live your life and let your actions speak for themselves.

Move in silence. Protect your peace. Let your success speak for itself. Because the most powerful people aren’t the loudest in the room — they’re the ones who don’t need to prove anything to anyone.