The Rewards of Humility
Humility is considered a virtue, yet it is obviously not a quality that you can boast about! It is a sign of maturity and character – but it is not always recognised as such. It requires self-discipline, yet it hardly feels like an achievement.
Humility is a quality that most people say they admire, yet the advantages of humility are not always clear. Here are six life rewards that come to people who consistently exhibit humility.
1. You are never considered arrogant or conceited. Arrogant and conceited individuals are universally disliked, as anyone who encounters them feels belittled. In contrast, the humble person makes others feel good about themselves and is therefore welcomed by all.
2. You aren’t forced to deal with inflated expectations. Because you don’t exaggerate your skills or talents, others don’t expect that you will achieve great things. Therefore anything outstanding that you achieve is a surprise to others and an occasion for celebration.
3. You can engage effectively with people who have challenges or disabilities. Because you are aware of your own weaknesses and failings, it is easy for you to speak with those people in society who find it difficult to perform at a normal level. Such individuals feel that you understand them and their struggles.
4. You are not humiliated by failure. Because you do not create inflated expectations, others are not taken aback when you encounter defeats or setbacks. Of course, nobody enjoys failure, but it is less painful when it is less unexpected.
5. You always have room for growth. Since you don’t boast about past achievements, there is always space for future achievements! Those who claim to have mastered a skill or learned everything about a topic have no room for development.
6. You are welcomed on any team. Humility is a quality highly desired on any team. The humble person is willing to fill any role that is required on the team, whether or not it is prominent. And because the humble individual is not looking for personal praise – but instead works toward the achievement of the team’s goals – he or she is a perfect team player.
Humility is not an easy virtue to acquire. It requires self-discipline and self-knowledge. Yet it contributes to personal happiness and success in many ways. While the humble person does not strive for prominence or praise, he or she is valued greatly by others.