Growing up, my German mother had a saying she’d use from time to time — usually after seeing someone act a little too impressed with themselves. She’d say:
“Wer angibt, hat’s nötig.”
Roughly translated: “Those who show off, feel the need to.”
It stuck with me. I didn’t fully appreciate what it meant until much later in life — especially in business.
We’ve all met people who are quick to rattle off their achievements, name-drop, or make sure everyone in the room knows what they’ve done. At first, it may seem like confidence. But more often than not, it’s a cover for insecurity — a loud exterior trying to fill a quiet gap inside.
In business, especially in real estate, coaching, or any client-based work, people aren’t just drawn to skill. They’re drawn to presence. And presence doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful.
“Boasting is often the noise made by insecurity — confidence is usually quiet.”
Real confidence shows up when:
You follow through.
You stay calm under pressure.
You let your results do the talking.
Here are a few expressions I’ve collected over the years that reflect this mindset — many of which I’ve shared with clients:
“When you know who you are, you don’t have to shout it.”
“Confidence doesn’t advertise — it simply shows up.”
“Empty vessels make the most noise.”
“Ego speaks, confidence whispers.”
“If you’ve really got it, you don’t need to flaunt it.”
“True expertise speaks for itself — it doesn’t need a spotlight.”
“The louder the brag, the deeper the insecurity.”
“The real ones don’t talk — they just do.”
“The most beautiful flower doesn’t need to announce its bloom.”
In my work with agents and entrepreneurs, I often remind them: clients aren’t impressed by flash — they’re impressed by follow-through. By listening well. By being prepared. By showing up with integrity and keeping their word.
In short, quiet confidence builds trust. And trust builds business.
Ironically, it’s the professionals who don’t feel the need to prove themselves who are often the most memorable and respected.
You don’t have to broadcast your value. Let it speak through your consistency, your results, and the way you make people feel.
Instead of aiming to impress, aim to express:
Express your professionalism through your actions.
Express your confidence through your calm.
Express your value through your service.
My mother’s words have echoed in my mind throughout my career.
“Wer angibt, hat’s nötig.” — “Those who show off, feel the need to.”
So the next time you feel the pressure to prove yourself, take a breath. Remind yourself: if you’re doing the right things, the right people will see it.
If you're ready to grow through substance over showmanship — through strategy, integrity, and quiet confidence — let’s connect.
📩 Reach out to book a coaching session or business audit.
We’ll build something strong, lasting, and grounded in who you truly are.
Click here to schedule a call with me.
To your success!
angela