Humility is a characteristic that consists in being aware of our virtues and defects and acting accordingly. It is the opposite of pride and arrogance. And it is a fundamental value to live harmoniously in society.
People who act with humility are modest and simple, do not have superiority complexes and deeply respect the people around them. Therefore, here are some examples of humility.
Ask for help when we need it
We cannot do everything by ourselves. Many times we need the help, support or guidance of other people. Humility also implies recognizing in the other qualities of which we lack.
Accept your own limitations
Humility manifests itself in self-knowledge, in knowing what we are capable of, how far we can go, and what our strengths and weaknesses are. This awareness of themselves is a very important form of humility.
Be modest in the face of success
We cannot be puffed up with our achievements. In the face of success, it is important to practice modesty, not to put our conquests in the face of anyone or be arrogant. Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes we are up, other times we have to see the panorama from below.
Admit when we don’t know something
We can’t know everything. Sometimes we find ourselves in fields or subjects that we do not master, so it is important to recognize it and ask another to explain or help us understand. Sometimes, the awareness that we don’t know leads us, in the long run, to learn much more.
Not be afraid of making mistakes
We can all be wrong. In fact, we are all wrong all the time. Mistakes are teachers in life, they teach us important lessons and help us to be better.
Always be open to learn
The permanent desire to learn speaks very well of us. We cannot know everything, so sometimes we need to read, consult or ask to find out and inform ourselves of some things.
Know how to win (and lose)
You don’t always win, but you don’t always lose either. You have to practice balance and modesty. Successes bring joys, but they don’t have to translate into arrogance. And defeats can sometimes be frustrating, but that is why we should not get carried away by anger. Both situations teach us the value of humility: respect the adversary and value our effort and that of the other.
Recognize the value of others
The other people who are part of our lives are important. Sometimes they reach out to us, sometimes they support or guide us, and sometimes they also need us. Recognizing its value is a fundamental practice in humility.
Share the credit
Sometimes we have the opportunity to take credit for a job in which we participate together with other people. However, it is important to share the credit with those who deserve it too. Not only out of respect, it is also a way to value the contributions and value of others.
Be grateful
We can be grateful for many things: life, the plate of food in front of us, the people around us. Seen from a certain perspective, everything we have or what happens to us is a gift. Practicing gratitude constantly gives us awareness of it.
Be willing to give in
When someone is right about something, it is important that we give in. We will not always be right, so it is important that we know how to recognize the moment when the most sensible thing is to give the other reason.
Know how to listen
It is important that we are always willing to listen to others, their wishes, needs or aspirations. Not only because this is a way of knowing people more deeply, but because it allows us to learn ourselves. The other always has valid things to contribute, so we must respect and listen to it.
Apologize when necessary
Sometimes we can make mistakes or act badly, and thereby affect the people around us. Being humble, therefore, also means knowing how to apologize, because we are not perfect and can, from time to time, do something wrong.
It does not mean being servile
Humility, however, does not mean being servile, or humiliating or kneeling at the will of others. Thus, humility does not exclude one’s dignity.
