What is the underlying foundation of true success? In a word, HUMILITY. Humility is the character quality upon which all other success attributes rest upon -- and without it, you will never experience real success, freedom, or fulfillment. Why?
First, humility allows you to see yourself accurately, warts, and all. Humility enables you to look in the mirror without fear and self-judgment to discover the truth of yourself, the positive aspects, and the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that are holding you back from a genuinely fulfilling and prosperous life.
Second, humility frees you to focus on others. And that is the foundation of true success in life. Real success rests on the freedom of not being consumed and obsessed with me. Real success is pursuing a purpose that centers around promoting, encouraging, and helping others win. But you and I can’t do that if we’re in the center of the frame.
That’s why Brant Hansen, in his incredible book, Unoffendable, writes, “We need humble leaders who don’t need a spotlight, don’t need approval, and don’t need attention from others.”
Again, Hansen writes, “We so often put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be something significant, and anything that gets in the way of that, or threatens that significance, threatens us.”
Wow! I can’t tell you how many times that statement has applied to me throughout my life. I am learning that when I shift my focus from my significance to the significance of others, it takes the pressure off and frees me to focus on others and experience true joy and freedom, true fulfillment.
You and I know when we’re around someone who is genuinely humble. It is a beautiful and attractive quality. C.S. Lewis once wrote, “Getting near humility is like a drink of cold water to a man in a desert. Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him. If you dislike him, it will be because you feel a little envious of anyone who seems to enjoy life so easily. He will not be thinking about humility. He will not be thinking about himself at all.”
Cultivating this character quality is so vital to every aspect of your life. It sets you up to truly thrive in your business, in your relationships, and, most importantly, in your soul.
And in these conditions, lasting positive legacies are built.
So how can you assess where you’re at with this vital character quality? I’ve put together a simple assessment that will only take a couple of minutes to complete that will provide you with an excellent opportunity for self-reflection and to expand your self-awareness around this trait.
You can download the assessment here.
I hope this helps.
Your friend,
Bill
