And we are going three weeks strong! Thank you so much for tuning back in for the “How to Be” Series. Please enjoy the third entry:
Growing up, my dad would always tell me, “son this might feel great right now, but it does not compare to the accomplishments you will have when you grow up.” To me, this was always about being humble and allowing myself to push for more. I took it as an opportunity to ground myself and look around with gratitude for all the people who supported my accomplishments. Today I understand my dad was teaching me modesty and humility and I want to make sure you can learn the tools to be humble.
Let me share with you two practical ways to remain humble:
1) Appreciate Others
Looking back at everything that I’ve been able to accomplish, and I still have a long way to go, I can’t help myself but to think about all the people who have been there for me along the way. People that may have been there only for a season, but nonetheless where there in that critical moment when I needed them. I’m grateful for those people. Remembering that I can’t do life alone allows me to remain humble, it grounds me to understand the value that others bring to my life.
In your life, this idea may look like an opportunity to share the success with those who supported you. When you get an accomplishment, make it a priority to go around and share your gratitude. Make sure to remember that you are not entitled, that people choose to support you and therefore you must choose to appreciate them.
2) Remember We Are All Human
Another aspect of humility is modesty. Modesty to me is being proud of your accomplishments, but not allowing the accomplishments to disorient you. We are all human and we can all make several mistakes. Some mistakes can be more costly than others, but the focus should remain the same: keep moving, keep improving, and don’t stop. I’ve seen many cases where people get comfortable celebrating and forget to put in the work that got them there in the first place. Getting comfortable is the fastest way to lose your advantage and eventually fail.
As you look at this idea, modesty will help you remember to constantly look for your edge without taking others down. What makes you different? What makes you stand out? Use your strengths not as a way to show off, but as a way to empower those around you. Get comfortable outside your comfort zone and you will see how you will keep pushing on.
I constantly remind myself to be humble, to celebrate the moments with gratitude, and to reflect with modesty on what I can accomplish. Keep these two reminders close to you and appreciate the people who support you to make your goals come true. Are you ready to be more humble?