The Character of Humility

Character Leadership - The Character of Humility

“Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts.  It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all.”  ~William Temple

Definition:   A humble and modest attitude that reflects a non boasting behavior of an individual.

Arrogance and pride are the opposites of humility. These are the attitudes that lift our self-interests and our self-sufficiencies, which seem necessary and good. When one feels that one is superior to another, even to the extent of the regarding of others with contempt as if they were unworthy of any relation or interaction with us, it increases arrogance and increases pride in us.  It is admitting that others are directly or indirectly responsible for our achievements. Humility will enable us to be a teachable person who is willing to have a good attitude of submission to our authorities and the attitude to serve than to be served.

It is fulfillment and not just mere satisfaction when you can help others in need. In this, it is not about neglecting ourselves and totally ignoring our own basic needs. If we first learn to be orderly with our lives, we can progress into being more observant with the needs of others around us and help them unconditionally. It is not easy indeed to have a character of humility and focus on the needs of others than self but it is worth it.

Reflection:

Ask yourself; “Do I have the character of humility and learn from my mistakes?” When we make mistakes, we need to take responsibility to admit it rather than running away from it and give much excuses. To admit one’s mistakes without hesitation is strength and takes courage to do it.

As Character leaders, we must extend ourselves to other people with humility and what flows out of humility are acceptance and trust from others. In our surrounding, we live with people of different age group and at times, we may need to work under someone’s instruction that is in authority but is younger. Wisdom does not necessary comes with age although it is ideal. We can also learn from the young.

Helping others should be self-motivated and not because there is a reward or a recognition. If we help someone and boast it to others, the whole matter about helping others will appear worthless in essence. There is a difference between boasting and someone praising you when they discover your good deeds.