What does being humble mean? There can be different interpretations attached to being humble! Let’s un-wrap the meaning of the term.
Being humble can mean not being arrogant about your origins, achievements and inheritances. In a simple sense, it can mean being modest; without excess pride. When one says, “I am humbled by your generosity”, it can mean not entirely living up to the compliment. Now, it depends on what you wish to convey.
What impacts you?
When you are actually humble, your attitude will mirror that. You needn’t have to say that. Your humbleness will be conveyed to the beneficiaries of your behaviour. Trust me, this is crucial! When you believe in having come from a background considered “good” and “powerful”, you often feel about yourself being smarter than others. It can be quite difficult for you to drop your guard and show signs of humbleness. It also somewhat depends on the kind of upbringing you have had as well as your life experiences, your peers and more. However, this can sometimes be a stereotype.
How do you impact others?
Now, this is what I have observed. Generally, people from backgrounds considered “good” or “powerful” can also be humble and kind towards the other people who are not. I am not being racist, but this is what I have experienced.
Moreover, when you are humbled by someone’s behaviour towards giving you compliments over your looks, intelligence, generosity etc. you can mistakenly underestimate yourself. Sarcastic people may not be humble people. They can have a superiority complex where they try to say people things, just to tease or make fun of them. Sarcastic people often tend to spill ink with their comments.
The misconception, “Being Affluent is Bad”!
I have come across several misconceptions about people from affluent backgrounds being ungrateful, arrogant and thinking highly only of themselves…Let me tell you, this is not true! Being humble can mean being soft-spoken, and not only when you provide help, but also when you need it. Humbleness means having a positive attitude towards everyone, not letting your “achievements” get over your head, and not giving into toxicity. The person who stands for themselves without pulling the other, or in itself, being happy with others being happier with your acts can be, in my opinion, considered as humble.
Numerous Perspectives
Each individual is unique, orange, pink and maroon are not all red. They can be shades of red, just like humbleness, kindness and maturity can all be shades of good behaviour or even good mental well-being. Humbleness can also have a positive impact on your mental well-being! This is because nothing impacts the pride of the humble.
Therefore, in my humble opinion, people have forgotten the importance of being kind and humble. They often hope that everything should revolve around them.
These days, I often come across people being unnecessarily sarcastic. I often feel sarcasm, over and above a certain level, can indicate significant mental discomfort. I often ponder, why would making the other person uncomfortable make you happy, otherwise?
Humbleness can keep you grounded. Humbleness should be included in basic manners and etiquette of any person. As we say in psychology, you can change the traits of a person, but not its type, humbleness is a trait, not a type!
Leaders, to lead, need to be kind and humble. Obviously, you see exceptions, but, you also see what it takes them to. Kindness and humbleness are vital to bringing change in the world, to bring people close to you. These are the qualities which lift you in life, and you will be able to lift others, as well.
My experiences!
For me, when I see around, certain people are more talented and qualified than me. Still, they have shown utmost humbleness towards me. I believe you should always be surrounded by such people who make you feel grounded. No matter what you do, what you achieve, you get a reality check. These are the people who make you feel that you have to go a long way.
It’s a choice!
A person is not humble by chance, but by choice! You can and should choose to be modest for your mental well-being and that of people you come across. Sometimes, your humble behaviour might get identified as your weakness. In such cases, take charge of what you perceive yourself as.
Share your thoughts, let me know what you think about humbleness in the comments section below.
Happy musings!
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