What Does Humility Mean & 4 Ways You Can Become More Humble

By Krista

-

Last Updated: March 10, 2023

Share This With Someone You Love!

You know those people who are ultra-likeable, rarely brag, and don’t typically steal the spotlight?

You might be able to think of someone in your life that you admire for these traits.

So, what do they have that you don’t? Well, this sounds a lot like humility.

U.S. government official Ezra Taft Benson once said, “Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right.” 

So, what exactly is humility?

Is it synonymous with being humble?

And how can you harness more humility in your life? Let’s find out.

 

 

What is Humility Behavior?

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines humility as, “freedom from pride or arrogance; the quality or state of being humble.”

Many other sources also indicate humility is being able to view your own importance on a realistic scale or in the grand scheme of things, quite low. After all, we each have a place in this world where no one is particularly “more important” than another.

So, technically, humility and humbleness go hand-in-hand and are somewhat one of the same. To take this a bit further, humility is really knowing that we have a small place in the larger order of things.

It sheds ego. It makes us human. And when it comes down to it, it fosters community, giving, and compassion for ourselves and others.

 

What Are Three Key Actions of Humility?

But it’s hard. We sometimes get wrapped up in our own importance and our own sense of righteousness. We forget that the world doesn’t revolve around us (nor should it). 

So, let’s dig a bit deeper. What three actions does humility involve exactly?

  1. Recognition of your own limitations. 
  2. Appreciating others’ strengths and recognizing them.
  3. Being open to learning from others (and showing it!). 

Undeniably, humility nurtures our relationships and brings us closer together. It can help reinforce connection and our appreciation for others. It can also help us and others find our place in this world where we feel safe, accepted, and appreciated for what we can do as opposed to what we can’t. 

 

 

How Can You Foster More Humility?

Not feeling particularly humble? The good news is humility can be learned.

It takes some practice, but you can become more humble and find this delicate balance.

Here are a few ways to do just that.

 

1. Listen Without Judgement and With the Goal to Help Others Feel Heard.

With humility, a key ingredient is showing others you value them.

We all want to be heard, but we rarely feel heard. Thus, proactively listening and trying to understand offers a powerful way to become more humble. 

And no, listening doesn’t mean jumping to the rescue with solutions or opinions. Instead, it’s about recognizing that the other person is a human with emotions too and that they are valid and deserve to be heard.

 

2. Focus on the Present Moment.

Ah, mindfulness! It tends to pop up everywhere when it comes to relationships and good mental well-being.

Mindfulness is also no stranger when it comes to fostering humility. It involves not worrying about the past, not looking forward to the future, but instead focusing on the here and now.

This helps shed judgements and fears, and allows us to truly see each other as opposed to viewing one another through foggy lenses.

Related Article: Your Ultimate Mindfulness Guide: Become More Happy and Less Stressed

 

3. Practice Gratitude.

It’s easy to spiral and opt for a more negative way of thinking.

Most of our thoughts each day are negative. However, we have control over this. We can steer our attention toward they good in our life, and “count our blessings” so to say. If you’re struggling to be mindful or humble, practice gratitude each day and watch as your mindset and perspective transform.

Related Article: How Practicing Gratitude Can Help You in Your Hardest Moments

 

4. Make Personal Growth a Priority.

Our ego hates change. It doesn’t like to admit fault.

Yet, admitting fault and actively looking for feedback to grow and change can help us move toward humility. It allows us to recognize our shortcomings and recognize the strengths in those we work with or those that are near and dear to our heart. 

This also gives us the opportunity to do better and be better. In turn, this opens the doors to various opportunities, connections, and more! It can only enhance your life.

 

 

Is Humility a Strength or Weakness?

When it comes down to it, humility is definitely a strength you want to harness more of!

It shows you're open to learning and open to other opinions outside of your own. It’s not weak. It’s being vulnerable.

As Brene Brown has said, “Vulnerability isn’t winning or losing. It’s having the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome.”

With humility, you’re willing to admit your wrongs. And you’re happy to recognize where you fall short in others. It allows you to pour more into the cup than what you take. When everyone is doing this, we can only gain from it.

 

 

Encouraging Humility Means Making a Difference In Others’ Lives

It’s less about focusing on why we are so important or how we can enhance our status.

More so, it’s about making a difference for others where we can and where our strengths lie. When we think of being humble as a strength, we can lean into it more and feel good about it.

All in all, this means we contribute to the greater good. Imagine if we were all doing that?

Related Article: Newsflash! Being Vulnerable is One of Your Greatest Strengths

Photo by Maddy Freddie

Share This With Someone You Love!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

LATEST

CATEGORIES

wake up to dailymotivation!


Get Motivational Quotes, Affirmations, and insightful content delivered to your inbox every morning!

wake up to dailymotivation!


Get Motivational Quotes, Affirmations, and insightful content delivered to your inbox every morning!

>