Definition
We feel humble when we recognize our limits and place ourselves within a larger whole.
>> Why We Have This Emotion
Humility helps keep us aware of our abilities and where we're currently at in life. It helps reduce status conflict, invites cooperation and mentorship, and keeps learning channels open to help us improve.
◈ How It Shows Up
“I had a lot of help”Downturned gaze, small smileSoft voice, fewer I’sDeflecting praise lightlyOpen to correction
◎ What to do in the moment
Good Ideas
- Acknowledge limits: “I don't know”
- Ask one honest “how can I improve?”
- Share credit with others publicly
- Name one thing you learned
- Admit one mistake without excuses
- Volunteer for an inglorious task
- Mentor someone who's a beginner
Bad Ideas
- Call yourself “stupid” or “useless”
- Trash yourself instead of mistakes
- Refuse praise or credit completely
- Confuse low self-worth with humility
- Fake self-deprecate to fish for praise
- Assume others are right about you
- Set no boundaries “to be humble”