Humility
By Steve Gahagen
Most people agree that humility is a desirable character trait. Humble individuals respect others and embrace growth through learning and collaboration. Yet, paradoxically, our culture often elevates celebrities and influencers who embody anything but humility. Many seem to desire wealth or fame more than true humility.
So, how does one become humble? Sometimes, tragedy or setbacks can humble us in an instant. But lasting humility is cultivated through honest self-reflection—an awareness of both our strengths and weaknesses—and a genuine recognition that we need others.
At Play to Your Strengths, we use the CliftonStrengths Assessment as a foundational tool to equip individuals and teams to live their greatest story. Our mission is to inspire people to thrive as they discover and play to their unique talents. When people uncover the wealth of their abilities, they feel more alive and can imagine new possibilities.
Some critics suggest that self-assessment tools like CliftonStrengths foster self-absorption. From my experience working with thousands of students and adults, the opposite is true. Most people find it difficult to identify and celebrate their strengths.
Clayton Christensen writes in The Meaning of Life:
Generally, you can be humble only if you feel really good about yourself—and you want to help those around you feel really good about themselves, too. When we see people acting in an abusive, arrogant, or demeaning manner toward others, their behavior is almost always a symptom of their lack of self-esteem. They need to put someone else down to feel good about themselves.
True humility isn’t thinking less of yourself; it’s being comfortable enough with who you are that you think of yourself less. Everyone deserves at least one moment of awe—when they marvel at how uniquely they’re wired and understand why certain activities bring them energy and joy.
We are humbled when we fully recognize the gifts we have been given. It is in that awareness that Play to Your Strengths hopes to guide people toward genuine humility.
Questions to Consider:
Share a story about someone you respect who models humility.
If humility is a desired character trait, why are people on social media often drawn to those who do not seem to be humble?
Why is humility important if you are to live your greatest story?