If You Do Just One Thing in 2024, Show More Humility
And watch it transform your life
Examine people’s intentions for 2024, and exhibiting more humility won’t be high on the list.
The word humility comes from the Latin humilitas, which means ‘low’. It’s a feeling most of us try to avoid. Humility conjures up visions of a monk on a mountaintop or someone in the workplace who is a pushover.
When was the last time you heard a big name CEO in tech espousing the virtues of humility?
Showing humility doesn’t involve lowering yourself — it involves showing a lack of ego. Humility is putting the needs of others before your own sometimes. It’s not thinking too highly of yourself.
Because what is the opposite of humility? Humility contrasts with characteristics such as narcissism, hubris, and pride. Sound familiar? From the fall of WeWork, to the disaster in the White House, to prejudice and violence — they’re related in part to a lack of humility.
Growing up, I was told to never cry or show emotions. And then I served for 8 years in the Army — and it reinforced the lie that men shouldn’t show emotions, or go to therapy — even when things are terrible.
I finally started going to therapy two years ago, and it was life-changing for me. As I sat with my therapist to talk through what brought me to therapy, I mentioned courage and vulnerability. “Those are true Andrew,” she replied, “but it took humility as well.” And she’s right.
I thought I was above going to therapy and didn’t need it. I viewed therapy as something for people who are weak. Showing humility helped me put those thoughts and feelings aside and get the support I so desperately needed.
Humility recognizes other people can help you become a better version of yourself. Humility means you think more of others and not just yourself. Humility means you share credit with others when it’s due.
Applying this to your life:
- Humility means you finally go to that first therapy session if you need it. Because emotions left unchecked build-up to a breaking point — often in the form of violence, aggression, or substance abuse
- Humility means if you won’t make positive changes to help yourself, then do it for the people in your life that you’re negatively impacting — your family, your friends, your coworkers
- Humility means you don’t always have to win an argument or have the last word
- Humility means you put the welfare of others before your personal gain
- Humility means you ask for help and let yourself learn from the experience and wisdom of other people
- Company leaders, humility means you put employees and the customers you serve and the communities you impact before Wall Street
- Humility means not feeling entitled, and that the world owes you something. This will help you be more open to the beliefs of others and engage in healthy dialogue
According to a Boston University study, humility is something you can improve. So as you think about the rest of 2024, think about how you can show more humility.
It doesn’t mean being weak, or quiet, or a pushover. It means curbing your ego, thinking of others, and being open to getting help.
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