How to Increase Humility

What many people see as humility is actually false humility and timidity. Being humble means deflating the ego. It is being truly honest with your achievements and not thinking you are more than you actually are. The humble person realizes that he is not perfect and is limited in what he can do. The character trait requires a person to see, appreciate and utilize the input of others, without demanding their respect. Follow the steps to put arrogance aside and to increase your humility.

Instructions

1. Gain perspective. Depend on the surrounding community for support, information and identification. Remember people who have helped you. Understand the limitations of your abilities. Look for ways you can help people who depend on you.

2. Share the praise. Appreciate the contributions of others as you take stock of your contribution in completing a task. Acknowledge people who improved your talents, provided opportunities, made your life more enjoyable, helped you recover from mistakes or criticized you. Accept praise graciously when you get reward or recognition. Acknowledge how others directly contributed to the outcome.

3. Work within a team where each person gives her best effort. Know your team mates' strengths. Give them a chance to develop, especially in areas where they are weak. Help the team.

4. Admit when you need help and get advice from the team. Remain teachable even if doing so brings criticism. Realistically view your abilities and knowledge. Desire getting things right more than your desire to maintain a reputation. Seek people who are able to give good advice. Listen to criticism.

5. Become a servant. Complete the job without drawing attention to your "humility," quibbling over job descriptions or thinking how you are helping others. See only what is needed and the means to meet that need. Refuse to entertain the belief that you are above doing what is needed.