The Reluctant Achiever: Why I Just Do What I Do

Are you someone who thrives on compliments and accolades?

I am not.

In fact, they make me quite uncomfortable and even a bit standoffish. I generally don’t believe compliments, and I’m not one to seek external validation. I just do what I do.

Recently, a recruiting network shared a test podcast that boasted my background. I wasn’t expecting it, and my reaction was the same as if someone were standing next to me, showering me with compliments—humble blushing and head shaking. Were the statements wrong or exaggerated? No, they were spot on. That doesn’t make them any easier to accept.

I’m trying to get better at receiving compliments—I really am.

This experience made me reflect on the accolades I’ve received throughout my life, many of which I’ve nearly forgotten. I’m learning that in today’s job market, maybe I shouldn’t be so modest.

In middle school volleyball, I wasn’t just the floor captain—I ran every position and play. I never took the bench (oh, to have that energy today!). I was named to the Gatorade Will to Win Athlete list as a middle schooler. At 5’4″, I had to be tenacious to go on to become a Division II Defensive Specialist. No one could tell me I couldn’t—I just did. I was known as the kamikaze player. My body tells that story today.

Academically, I earned top honors through high school and college. I took college courses in high school, earned early credits, and graduated in 3.25 years with honors—all while being a college athlete and majoring in web development. I was nominated for Who’s Who Among High School and College Scholars (cue the nerd jokes!).

My first job out of college? I walked into R&D Industries in 2006 and became the first woman hired in their 22 years of operations. While there, I was nominated for Who’s Who Among Female Professionals. I never learned who nominated me for any of these honors, but I’m grateful for their recognition and support.

Every career move I’ve made has been intentional, always tied to previous roles and connections I built through honesty, genuine support, and respect—values I hold onto today.

I flip houses with my own two hands (a skill that may come in handy if the tech industry keeps shifting). I take on challenges without hesitation. My best friend often says, “I couldn’t do what you do.” I know what she means, and I appreciate it. But the truth is—I just do what I do.

When I tested an AI resume scorer, it classified me as a doer rather than an achiever. At first, I wasn’t sure how to take that. But yes, I am a doer. I don’t sit back, delegate, or watch from the sidelines—I take action. I don’t just identify problems; I solve them. I do what I do to make others’ jobs easier.

I “do” so that I can “achieve.”