Just as essential as it is to learn and exude confidence in our character, humility is even more important to maintain while staying confident. In short, humility is the acceptance, acknowledgment and understanding of our shortcomings as individuals and differences with others.
Often, why we need humility is understood through experience. For example, if we experience a setback that is a blow to our ego, moving forward we might have less of an ego and a degree of humbleness in our perspective in life. Ultimately, the push and pull between and humility and confidence come with the waxing and waning of life’s trials and tribulations; enough awareness of this can lead to wisdom.
Becoming familiar with humility can help us keep a fresher and more realistic outlook on our journey in the world. Importantly, the best blend of humility and confidence can encourage us to dream and do wonderful things, all while staying humble and levelheaded.
What are some key ways to maintaining humility? Below are 4 tips to consider.
1. Understanding that we have shortcomings as individuals.
When we reflect on ourselves, we have so much to take in. From our daily mix of emotions to worrying about our responsibilities to considering how well our relationships are doing, there is just so much to take in. Do we like who we are? Perhaps that question comes up every time we look in the mirror. The best way to retain humility is to recall that we could not have been taught everything as kids. Circumstances in life arise, journeys get difficult temporarily and test us, but we do not have all the answers. Our shortcomings may be that we are too tough on ourselves, do not take care of ourselves, or we do not consider others’ feelings perhaps. There could be a combination of shortcomings. Regardless, the realization that we have shortcomings to ourselves and accepting there are perhaps plenty is an essential first step to gaining humility.
2. Being okay with the notion that our imperfections make us human.
Beyond identifying and accepting our shortcomings, another critical step in retaining humility is to rationalize that these imperfections make us human. Our acceptance that being imperfect is okay and natural is significant. It allows us and gives us room to ask for help. In turn, we can work on our imperfections to reveal bolder, stronger and tougher versions of ourselves to the world.
3. Remembering that we are no more or no less than others who we know, and we are unique in our own ways.
Sure, everyone has a unique character and may present themselves a certain way. There are hundreds of different people we interact with throughout our lives. How can we assume to know what they are handling? Or how they were raised? Or what their background is? When we look and interact with others, it is worth remembering these differences before making judgments about their character automatically. It is a sign of humility to treat others with respect and understanding, acknowledging these differences and putting them aside for the common good.
4. Reminding ourselves that we are on a unique journey to our destinies.
There is constant bombardment about what success looks like in terms of wealth, career achievements, lifestyle and more. The best thing to remind ourselves, despite whatever setbacks, is to love and build your own character along this unique journey, while maintaining humility and possibly touching others’ lives in the most uplifting and positive of ways. It is worth reminding ourselves that success cannot be measured in terms of achievement unless it is guided by a good character.
The next time you experience a setback, remember that regaining confidence is just as important as acquiring humility. You may have shortcomings, have imperfections that make you human, acknowledge you are no more or no less than others around you, and understand you are on a unique journey to your destiny. Keep these tips in mind, and hopefully you will be ready to take on new opportunities and embrace life’s adventures.
If you wish to contact the author, Ms. Najma Khorrami, you may email her at khorraminajma@icloud.com.
