Stuart and Aida Nelson Jun 17, 2019:

Ramey - self-sufficiency not selfish Yes, I agree, there is a bit of boasting in 'blow your own trumpet' (Adrian's answer), which in terms of marketing is also good for a business but 'being full of yourself' can also mean self-sufficient as this article nicely explains:

How Being Full of Yourself Isn't Selfish

When I fill myself up, I have little need for others to do it for me and paradoxically, I welcome the genuine, from the heart gifts that life offers to me. When I see myself as that full to overflowing glass, I am certain that I can be a greater force for good and quench, not only my own thirst, but that of a parched world.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-being-full-of-yoursel_b_6...

Ramey Rieger (X) Jun 17, 2019:

Hi Aida But it doesn't entail bravado or egotism. It's self-contained, not boasting.

Stuart and Aida Nelson Jun 17, 2019:

entails self sufficiency I fully agree with Ramey and Anne. That's why I also agreed with Adrian's: 'being full of yourself'. In this context 'selbst ist der Mensch' should reflect toughness, self-sufficiency, Cheers, Aida

Ramey Rieger (X) Jun 17, 2019:

My issue with 'do it yourself' is its sheer overuse. It immediately brings to mind putting up IKEA shelves. Selbst ist die Frau/der Mann also entails emotional stability or self sufficiency. A certain earthiness.

Wendy Streitparth Jun 16, 2019:

I'd go with one of Bernard's options.

Anne Schulz Jun 15, 2019:

I agree with the colleagues that "Selbst ist der Mensch" is a modification of "Selbst ist der Mann" (or, "Selbst ist die Frau") – 'Do it yourself' in the sense of 'You can do it!'<br />A web search on "Selbst ist der Mensch" mainly returns websites dealing with either inclusion of the disabled or self-actualisation seminars for shy people. 'Do it yourself' in the sense of 'You can do it', again. <br />"People who are tough negotiators" and "Winning is the most important thing to them" is quite different from that. You might therefore look for a saying which reflects "tough" and "winning", rather than sticking to the (possibly inappropriate) German saying of "Selbst ist der Mensch".

Stuart and Aida Nelson Jun 15, 2019:

Selbst ist der Mensch I think this explains it very well :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EbN3-LYHBg

Björn Vrooman Jun 15, 2019:

PS About Mann / Frau:
https://www.redensarten-index.de/suche.php?suchbegriff=~~Sel...

Björn Vrooman Jun 15, 2019:

Hello Kathy, hello Phil I don't see much of an issue with Kim's version. Reminded me of "If you want something done right, do it yourself."

[...which, ofc, is just a slightly altered version of what you wrote in your post below.]

And here's a good example in your context:
http://www.how-to-negotiate.com/negotiating-your-bottom-line...

Best

Kathy Freeman (asker) Jun 15, 2019:

I think something like "If you want a job done well, do it yourself" - based on Kim's research

Kathy Freeman (asker) Jun 15, 2019:

I don't have much more context sorry.

philgoddard Jun 15, 2019:

Could we have the German context, please.