Humility is not about thinking little of yourself. That’s usually a type of pride.
Humility is more about allowing the spotlight to shine on others, and shining it there yourself when given the chance.
It’s about putting your energy towards things that matter, even (and especially) when you won’t get credit for their success.
It’s not about lying or refusing credit when others give it. It’s about the willingness to allow the focus to be on others, and to encourage and take joy in others getting credit.
It’s about ignoring the social balance sheet. Completely letting go of the need to get the credit you feel you’re due. Doing so without pride or pomp, but a genuine joy for others, however the chips and spotlight may fall.
It’s hard because if you’re doing life well, you’ll pour yourself into things with abandon. You’ll spill blood, sweat, toil, and tears. And darn it, the last thing you want is to not get the full credit for your efforts, or worse, see someone else take it.
Humility doesn’t care a wit about all that.
Humility enjoys the effort and results with confidence, doesn’t require applause, and applauds others for their efforts.
Humility knows that keeping score never works, never ends well, and is a lot less fun than keeping joy whether or not you’re recognized for your full contributions.
Humility requires tremendous inner peace. Humility is demanding, but much more fulfilling. It naturally attracts others. Humility adds energy to all who come in contact with it.
It’s not always realized or acknowledged, but humility always wins.