The Habit of Humility: How To Be Humble Without Selling Yourself Short7 min read

Growing up it seems humility meant obeying my elders whenever they called upon me. Never say “No” out rightly, question their ideas, or doubt the sermons from the Bible.

But as I grew older, I knew better. In this post, we’ll take a critical look at what humility is, its benefits, and how to become a humble person. 

What Is Humility? 

Humility is a virtue that is often misunderstood. Some will think it’s thinking lowly of yourself or self-deprecation to make the other person look good. It’s not! Rather, it is about having a realistic view of your abilities and accomplishments. 

• Humility is about being aware of your strengths and weaknesses, showing respect and empathy towards others, prioritizing the greater good over personal gain, and being grateful and acknowledging the contributions of others.

• People of certain groups or in power may often accuse outsiders or their subordinates of lacking humility when they disagree. However, this is a projection of their lack of humility. When they fail to recognize others as independent thinkers with their desires, they are disrespecting their diversity of perspectives. Humility is about valuing and respecting the different ways that people think and see the world.

• Anyone who practices humility is considered a humble person. A humble person is someone who exhibits the qualities of humility, such as honesty, compassion, and a willingness to learn. 

But, why bother being humble? 

What Are The Benefits of Humility?

• Well, for starters, it makes your friendship or relationships way better. When you’re humble, people want to be around you because you’re not constantly bragging about things or putting them down. It helps you get along with others and avoid unnecessary drama.

• Humility helps you learn and improve. When you admit that you don’t know everything, you become open to new ideas and different perspectives. You can grow as a person and get better at stuff instead of pretending you’re already the best.

• Another cool thing about humility is that it makes you appreciate what you’ve got. Instead of always wanting more and never being satisfied, you can be grateful for the good things in your life. It helps you be happier and more content.

• Lastly, being humble is a great way to be a leader. Nobody likes a leader who thinks they’re the reason everything works out. By being humble, you show that you value your team and their contributions. It creates a better work environment and people will respect you more.

Though some arrogant people or those who mistreat others might indeed achieve a certain level of success it takes humility to maintain them in the long-term.

Alright, If you’ve made it this far, you probably know there’s no mind-blowing revelation coming up. It’s just a friendly reminder: don’t be a total jerk or a spineless wimp who can’t recognize their worth. [And] If you’re struggling with being humble, it’s time to unlearn that crap that’s killing your potential and start embracing true humility cuz’ it’s worth it. Let’s get to it. 

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”

– C.S. Lewis 

How to Be More Humble in Your Everyday Life 

Be Aware Of Your Limitations And Flaws:

You, like everyone else, share many similarities. Our desires, emotions, and mortality is something we have in common. You must acknowledge these shared aspects and don’t overestimate or underestimate your abilities or achievements. 

Understand; You are not superior to others (even if you are in a better position) neither are you inferior. Beyond our social status and intellectual capacity, we are humans capable of both excellence and stupidity. 

Avoid prideful behaviour and language:

Avoid bragging or boasting about your accomplishments. Often it attracts shallow attention or even fake friends. 

Also, remind yourself that there will always be someone more knowledgeable or skilled than you. That will help you stay humble and avoid exaggerating your importance. 

And, when you make a mistake, own up to it! Don’t shift the blame to others. Be humble enough to admit your wrongs, ask for forgiveness, and make amends. It’s all about genuine connections and treating everyone with respect, my friend. 

Be Reasonable And Respect People’s Differences : 

We each hold unique opinions that are important to us. Despite our differences, we can live together peacefully by refining our thoughts, actively listening, and understanding others. 

You must be humble to seek common ground or, at the very least, attentively listen to those who disagree with you. Instead of rushing to criticize or judge, approach discussions with an open mind and respect for one another.

Always Be Grateful:

Our lives are made up of many important things we take for granted because we are too enticed by what other people have that we don’t. As a result, our hearts are void of gratitude. 

But; gratitude is a powerful companion to humility. It’s the ability to stay in the present and enjoy the moment and not constantly wanting more or obsessing over the future which only brings discontentment and frustration. 

As you become grateful for what you have, you will find peace in who you are, and fulfilment in the present moment.

Care for others: 

Everyone is meant for each other. This is our biological charter. We look out for each other. Without it, we are setting our species up for emotional, ethical, and physical extinction. 

Your task is to care for and show kindness to those around you. But it doesn’t mean being a people pleaser. It’s about being ready to lend a helping hand, guide others, give credit where it’s due, and foster a positive and supportive environment.

The golden rule of humility is to treat others the way you would want to be treated. This means being kind, compassionate, and understanding, even when it is difficult. 

How To Be Proud Of Your Accomplishments Without Losing Your Humility 

Pride and humility are often seen as opposites, but it is possible to be proud and humble at the same time. Here are some tips to maintain the balance; 

• You can acknowledge your accomplishments, but don’t be a show-off. It’s like being proud of the efforts you’ve put to improve your life but don’t be narcissistic. 

• Be grateful for your blessings. Take some time each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for, both big and small.

• Find ways to give back to your society, and you’ll be surprised at how humble it makes you feel.

Remember; that pride and humility are not mutually exclusive. When you’re able to balance these two qualities, you’re more likely to be successful and well-respected by others. 

“I am not a saint unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.”

– Nelson Mandel

Conclusion: Humility Is Essential For a Happy and Meaningful Life  

In today’s world, many young people are influenced by the internet and self-proclaimed experts to prioritize audacity over humility. This is because audacity can be seen as a sign of confidence and intelligence, while humility can be seen as a sign of weakness.

However, humility is essential for a happy and meaningful life. It allows us to learn from others, build strong relationships, and be open to new experiences. It involves selfless actions without seeking attention or rewards. It stems from a sincere desire to improve yourself and assist others, without expecting external validation.

By practicing humility, you can grow into a better person. As you become more humble, your life will become more rewarding and fulfilling. Be kind to yourself and others and let the magic of love and compassion happen.