Modesty & Humility

Modesty & Humility:  Letting one’s accomplishments speak for themselves; not regarding oneself as more special than one is. Personified for example by Bill W., co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (Source: VIA Institute)
 

The Noel Strengths Academy defines it this way:

•  Not braggadocios 

•  Lets one’s accomplishments speak for themselves 

•  Refuses to “one-up” others in relationship 

•  Does not regard oneself as more special than one is 

•  Avoids flaunting or seeking to be the center of attention 

  • Underuse: Emotional Isolation
  • Overuse: Emotional Promiscuity

Key Research:

  • Rank order of Modesty in populations from:
    • US : 23
    • European:  23
    • Asia: 23
    • Latin America: 24
    • Sub-Saharan Africa: 23
    • Middle east: 23

Tayyab Rashid and Afroze Anjum offer 340 Ways to Use VIA Character Strengths including these four for Modesty:

  1. Resist showing off accomplishments for a week and notice the changes in your interpersonal relationships. Do people act surprised that you waited to reveal your news?
  2. Notice if you speak more than others in a group situation. Concentrate on listening to the words of others rather than simply waiting for your turn to speak.
  3. Compliment sincerely if you find someone is authentic and better than you in some ways. Accept compliments from others humbly.
  4. Ask a trusted friend for honest feedback about your weaknesses. Think about their words at length before replying.

Psychological Impact of Humility:

  1. Humility is linked to greater social connections: Research has shown that individuals with high levels of Humility tend to have stronger social connections and more supportive relationships (Lyubomirsky et al., 2005).
  2. Humility is associated with greater empathy: Studies have found that individuals with high levels of Humility tend to be more empathetic and better able to understand the perspectives of others (Davis, 1994).
  3. Humility is a key predictor of leadership effectiveness: Research has shown that leaders with high levels of Humility tend to be more effective and well-liked by their followers (Collins, 2001).
  4. Humility is linked to greater creativity: Studies have found that individuals with high levels of Humility tend to be more creative and innovative in their problem-solving approaches (Amabile, 1993).
  5. Humility is associated with greater self-awareness: Research has shown that individuals with high levels of Humility tend to have a better understanding of their own strengths, weaknesses, and emotions (Tackett et al., 2013).
  6. Humility is a key component of emotional intelligence: Studies have found that Humility is a critical component of emotional intelligence, which is essential for achieving success in various domains (Goleman, 1995).
  7. Humility is linked to greater forgiveness: Research has shown that individuals with high levels of Humility tend to be more forgiving and better able to let go of grudges (McCullough et al., 2001).
  8. Humility is associated with greater gratitude: Studies have found that individuals with high levels of Humility tend to be more grateful and appreciative of the good things in their lives (Emmons & McCullough, 2003).
  9. Humility is a key predictor of career success: Research has shown that individuals with high levels of Humility tend to be more successful in their careers, including achieving higher levels of job satisfaction and career advancement (Judge et al., 2013).
  10. Humility is linked to greater overall well-being: Studies have found that individuals with high levels of Humility tend to report higher levels of overall well-being, including greater happiness, life satisfaction, and positive emotions (Lyubomirsky et al., 2005).

Learn more about Modesty/Humility

How do we find fulfillment in a world that’s constantly changing? Raymond Tang struggled with this question until he came across the ancient Chinese philosophy of the Tao Te Ching. In it, he found a passage comparing goodness to water, an idea he’s now applying to his everyday life. In this charming talk, he shares three lessons he’s learned so far from the “philosophy of water.” “What would water do?” Tang asks. “This simple and powerful question … has changed my life for the better.”

Alain de Botton examines our ideas of success and failure — and questions the assumptions underlying these two judgments. Is success always earned? Is failure? He makes an eloquent, witty case to move beyond snobbery to find true pleasure in our work.

Steve Shenbaum explains how honesty, humility, and humor allow us to be the best we can be in life. Steve is considered one of the industry’s leading experts in character development, team-building, and communication training. Part of TEDxSarasota’s inaugural conference held on 12/12/12 with the theme “Creativity Matters” at the Historic Asolo Theatre in Sarasota, Florida.

In the course of their lifetime, the average millennial will take over 25,000 selfies. Quincy Mix shares how you can choose to be humble in an age all about “being yourself” in this hilarious, yet relevant, talk.

Klosterman talks about how his latest book, “But What If We’re Wrong?” in which visualizes the contemporary world as it will appear to those who’ll perceive it as the distant past. One of the most provocative, perceptive, and entertaining cultural critics of our time considers whether much of what we think we know about reality is false, why that is, and why it matters in all things including music, democracy and the internet.

Podcasts to feed your Modesty/Humility

Meditation for Modesty/Humility

Read more on meditation and modesty:

 

 

 

 

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