If you adopt the attitude that you’re too cool for school, people will become allergic to you. Instead, work to be grateful for what you have and work to earn more, if that’s what you want.
Work on being excited about all of the things the future holds instead of expecting catastrophe to strike at any moment. Though it’s a good idea to be prepared for the worst, you should work on finding the silver lining in almost every situation.
If you act like you’re the best at something, you’ll come off as arrogant. Instead, show people that, while you’re proud of what you know or what you can achieve, you’re always wanting to do more.
Sure, it can be kind of awkward when people are praising you. However, you should accept credit where credit is due instead of acting like it was no big deal.
Sure, it can be humbling to admit that you need to work on your social skills or that you’re not the world’s neatest person. But this can also lead you to work toward self-improvement. Along with recognizing your flaws, it’s important to be able to accept the things you cannot change about yourself.
People who truly practice humility focus much more on praising other people than on focusing on their own accomplishments. The next time you catch yourself talking about something you’ve achieved, ask yourself whether you’re bragging or showing off, or just sharing something you’re truly proud of.
Of course, some people are a lot better off than others when it comes to the luck game. Just know that it’s what you do with your luck that matters, and that you should be grateful for what you have been given instead of complaining about what you don’t have. Gratitude is essential for true humility. Work on making a list of everything you’re grateful for and add to it whenever you think of something else. [5] X Expert Source Rebecca Kason, PsyDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 12 August 2021.
It can be very humbling to realize that other people have a perspective that is just as valid as yours, and that everyone around is also filled with worries, doubts, and hopes. Become an expert at listening to people without interrupting them or giving them advice unless they ask for it.
It will actually make you feel better to acknowledge that other people have worked hard, too. If you take all the credit without deserving it, then you’ll be practicing selfishness instead of gratitude.
When you apologize to people, look them in the eyes, make your words genuine, and show them that the behavior won’t happen again. Let them see that you’re taking the time to truly apologize, and that you’re not just doing it out of obligation. Of course, actions speak louder than words. To truly be forgiven, you have to work to not make the same mistake again.
There’s a real humility in saying, “After you. ” Work on seeing that your time isn’t worth more than anyone else’s and letting other people have a chance before you do. It goes without saying that cutting a line is the opposite of being humble.
Don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t know something. In fact, most people love sharing their knowledge with others and will be eager to help you. You can even offer a bit of praise when you ask for advice. Just saying something like, “Hey, I know you’re a whiz at math, and I just can’t understand this problem,” will make a person feel great, as long as it doesn’t sound like you’re sucking up.
Get in the habit of telling other people when they’re doing great at something. This can make both you and the person feel great. Of course, make sure the praise is deserved. You don’t want the person to think that you just want something from him.
Even something simple like, “I love your earrings. They make your eyes stand out,” can really brighten a person’s day, and it takes very little effort.
Volunteer for the sake of it, not for the bragging rights. You don’t need to tell your fifty closest friends that you’re volunteering just to show off. Of course, if you’re genuinely proud and want to talk about it, that’s another thing. Giving your time to help others can make you realize that you don’t always need to put yourself first. This can make you live a life filled with humility.
You can admire other people and feel inspired to be better because of them. But if you covet what they have, you are likely to fall into feelings of bitterness that will keep you from enjoying your life. Don’t gossip about people or put them down because you’re secretly jealous of them, either. Humble people only say nice things about people behind their backs.
Don’t get defensive when someone is trying to teach you something. If that person has pure intentions, then you should make an effort to hear him out. You don’t want people to feel like you think you have all the answers, or they won’t be eager to share their experiences with you.
If you’re the only person who is aware of the good you’ve done in the world, there is something especially humbling about the experience. You can even write about the experience in a journal if you feel like telling someone.
People are drawn to appreciative, positive people. If you complain all the time or form relationships based on complaining all the time, then you’ll be less likely to live a humility-filled life. Whenever you catch yourself complaining about something, try to counter that comment with two positive comments.
Your problems won’t seem as severe when you’re standing at the base of a mountain. As corny as it sounds, being around nature will make you see that you’re just a grain of sand on the beach that is the universe, and that you should be thankful for what you have instead of bemoaning what you wish you had.
You may think that you have a lot to teach children and will feel humbled when you see that they have a lot to teach you, too. Listen to their perspective about the world and see how it can help you become a more humble, grateful person. Being around children will help you rejuvenate your sense of wonder. This can help you be more appreciative of the world around you and it will keep you from taking anything for granted.
Taking just 2-3 classes a week can transform the way you look at the world. If you feel like you just can’t make the time to go to a yoga class, you can practice at home.