The committee never met because he had already reached a unanimous decision. Self Appointed did not wait for a title, an invitation, or somebody important to recognize the obvious. He handled the promotion internally and poured a drink to commemorate management’s excellent judgment.

There is freedom in no longer asking other people to confirm what you know about yourself. Confidence becomes quieter once it stops performing for approval. The crown means more when it represents self-respect rather than permission granted by someone else.