In this era where a lot of people are becoming too loud about personal achievements, recognition, influence, self-promotion, and success, humility may be viewed as an outdated concept. However, humility is among the greatest strengths that a human can possess. It has the power within it to refine your character, define your purpose, deepen your relationship with people, reveal the true worth of humanity. Humility is not about thinking less of your own self, but it is actually thinking of yourself less while recognising that others also matter.
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True humility starts from being aware of yourself. Even though you have abilities and capabilities, you also should understand your weaknesses, and then realise that there are lots of things that you need to learn. This understanding is what leads to growth, because humility makes you teachable, and opens the door to correction, learning, improvement, and wisdom. When you accept the fact that you do not know as much as you should, then you will give yourself room to grow. Nothing creates barriers from learning and meaningful connections like pride. But when you are humble, you will attract good connections that will foster growth.
Humility also strengthens your humanity by building compassion and empathy. When you are humble and when you approach people with humility, you will not see them as competitors but as fellow travellers in the journey of life. It also makes you to judge less, listen more, and respond with kindness. When you wish someone well from your heart, you will not plan ill against them. It is your heart of humility that makes you to wish people well sincerely. Humility transforms how you treat people, especially the vulnerable, those that are struggling or challenged, and those who disagree with you. That someone does not agree with you does not make them them bad, so respect their own opinion. A humble heart recognises that a lot of people are fighting secret battles, so they should not add to their battle.
Humility is not only reflected on how you treat the people who are higher than you; like your bosses in the office, your superiors, your leader, etc. Of course if you treat them badly, they can sanction or punish you. However a true test of humility is seen in how you treat and relate with the people that are under you. Like the way you treat your subordinates, your chef, your gateman, your domestic staff, etc. These are the real test of humility. If you want to know if someone is humble, take a look at how he relates with others. Observe how he behaves when he has enough. You may not really know who someone really is until they have attained a level in life.
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Humility comes into play in all human endeavours. As a leader for example, humility makes you to shine even brighter. I remember when I was doing my internship some years back. They brought in one H.O.D to replace the old one. The new one was so humble that he would seek for assistance and opinions from even a far junior staff as long as the result is produced. He did not claim to know it all. In meetings, he would throw the floor open and everyone would give their own contribution. He was teachable and willing to take corrections and direction. No wonder the department did excellently well during his tenure. Production increased, and results became better. This is what you can achieve as a leader when you are humble.
As humans, humility should remind you of your shared human conditions. That is; no matter who you are, your achievements, your status, your level in life, every human is still bound by the same needs; like the need for love, peace, understanding, hope, and dignity. Know that you are not better than everyone else, neither are you more special than everyone, you are just privileged. So stay humble and appreciate privileges, and do not mistake them for rights. Learn to remain small in your eyes. Do not overinflate yourself. If someone does something for you, learn to show gratitude and appreciation. These are part of what make you a good human.
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