Are You Vain and Conceited

"A person may be proud without being vain. Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves; vanity, to what we would have others think of us." - Jane Austen

You do need a considerable amount of self esteem and a healthy self image to help you move around with ease and confidence. Checking on the mirror too often and making excessive efforts to impress are signs that you are obsessed with how you look. Showing off what you have accumulated and bragging about them indicate that you are conceited.

This narcissistic attitude shows that you are self absorbed and trying too hard. Your arrogance can result in people judging you as shallow. And your self centeredness is one of the easiest routes to lose friends, respect and influence. It can turn you into a lonely person.

If you are aware that you are vain and want to get rid of it and change, try to study those who are humble.

"A vain man finds it wise to speak good or ill of himself; a modest man does not talk of himself." - Jean de la Bruyere

Smart people don't boast about what they possess or have achieved. They don't need to seek attention or expect approval. Yet others notice and acknowledge them. People will seek them out to listen and learn.
Superior people don't compare themselves to others. Instead they look at their strengths and acknowledge their weaknesses. They measure their performances against their potentials. And they look for ways to improve for personal satisfaction.
You should remind yourself of your success and remember your proud moments. They are triggers that can help you. But remember that people are not interested in you. They are more interested in themselves. Applaud and acknowledge your accomplishments only to yourself.

You must differentiate between being proud of yourself and being egotistical. If you want to look good because it makes you feel good, then do it. If you think plastic surgery is the answer, go ahead. If wearing designers' clothes is a way to reward your efforts, then wear them. The reasons should be personal.

When you feel the urge to flaunt your toys or accumulations, pause for a moment and ask what it is you are trying to accomplish.

Here's a tool to help you break your habit that's hurting your loved ones, damaging your career and wasting your time.