Genuine Humility in the Techno-Age of Self-Centeredness

Ok, so weekly- sometimes more- I blog on a topic that I’ve recently read about, a speaker I’ve heard, etc.  This week, I can’t tell you how much I’ve been procrastinating.  Maybe that’s a topic I should blog on??  No, that would be avoidance if I went there…

The thing is, I’m not typically a procrastinator.  I usually have so many thoughts swirling in my head that I welcome the opportunity to spew-- so that I can release my ideas and move on.  Because in this age of technology, when you’re an extrovert, and relationship-oriented, it’s hard to not have an ear to process as much as the ol’ days.

But today is different.  Because the topic is different.  And the topic is harder- for me anyway.  The topic is humility. 

Hmmm…  Humility.  Sit on that for a second.  What does humility mean to you? 

I think that’s where I got tripped up from the get go (“get-go”- yes, that’s a Southern phrase I borrowed, I went to school in Virginia!).  You see…see how the brain works….fast and bounces a lot.  A totally get kids struggling with ADHD ;-)  But, it’s all good…with bouncing comes creativity and usually flashes of insight.  Keep up with me…

Humility conjured up thoughts of lack of ego.  Well, rightly so.  And don’t we all want to be- don’t we all strive to be- grounded and devoid of ego.  No, I’m not talking Freud…stick with me.

So today I said, stop avoiding, get quiet…and figure out what it is you don’t like about this topic.  Which, most likely means, I’m not good at it!!  Because who wants to look at things about themselves that they’re not good at.  Many days I can challenge myself and actually, I’m pretty good at the personal growth stuff.  But, this topic…rrrr….tough one.

So here I go, I jump in to dissect.  Humility, humility, humility.  I’m humble aren’t I?  I mean, I like to do good, I value other people…

Be honest.  Why are you avoiding if you’re good at it…and it’s not because you’re bored so don’t go there.  Nope, the reality is, this week I haven’t been good at being humble.  So while I may be open to working on weaknesses, this is a particular area where I need to work and probably not as well-versed on how to get better at it- thus, avoidance.  Mind you, I said this week.  And I believe that’s important.  We all work on various parts of ourselves at any given time- and often, over and over.  So if you think you’re working toward perfection…uh oh…  You either just totally relaxed or scratched your head and said this is bull…  If you relaxed, read on.  If you said this is bull, what the heck- it’s free…keep reading.

So what is humility?...being humble.  Let’s take a look:

• Requires connection (to people that is…as opposed to separation)
• Accepting of all views (as opposed to focus being on you)
• Freedom to be wrong (as opposed to having all the answers and always being right)
• Naturally draws allies to you (as opposed to being a victim to criticism of others)
• Allows you to honor your time (as opposed to people pleasing)
• You do your best work all the time regardless of what you’re doing You acknowledge and nurture the best work of others (as opposed to false recognition of ascent into leadership)
• Natural recognition of leadership and ability (as opposed to arrogance)
• Self Confidence which is sustainable (as opposed to unsustainable)

I think we probably all would like to be humble- and there are moments where we’re probably better at it than others.  I think it breeds upon itself- so when we establish humility within a group or community, we do a better job of maintaining that humility. 

But, let’s say we strayed from that high road of humble living and we want to establish, or re-establish, that place of being.  How do we do that?

It starts with grounding.  Staying grounded allows you access to information that you may otherwise miss- both within and without- accessing information about yourself as well as others.  This information is vital in successfully working with others.

So the challenge today is to think about grounding…which will ultimately lead you to living with humility.  Let’s take a look:

• Where do you go to get grounded?
• How often do you go there?  Is it often enough?
• Are there obstacles that get in your way?  What are they?
• What will you do today to get grounded? 
• How will you ensure that you continue to actively practice grounding?

And THAT is why it was so hard for me to look at the topic of humility.  Because I knew, instinctively, that I was slipping on my grounding and hadn’t actively practiced it for a few days.  The cart was creeping up in front of the horse.

Just like they tell you on the airplanes- you must take care of yourself first before you can take care of others. 

What have you done for yourself today?