Humbleness is something many of us aspire to. Also known as a humility, a truly humble person is someone who doesn’t think of themselves as better than anyone else. They may have accomplished quite a bit throughout their lives, but someone with real humility doesn’t let it make them arrogant or overly proud.
Being humble won’t just make people like you (although that’s certainly true!) but it may also improve your mental health, physical health, and overall quality of life. People who are humble typically have very high emotional intelligence and strong relationships.
So, how can you tell if you’re a humble person, or if the people in your life are humble? Here are 30 attributes to look out for.
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30 Attributes of Humble People
- Self-awareness. A humble person has a realistic understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, and they have a strong understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of others, too.
- Open-mindedness. They are receptive to new ideas and willing to consider other perspectives.
- Empathy: Humble individuals genuinely care about the feelings and experiences of others.
- Respectful: They treat everyone with courtesy and respect, regardless of their background or status.
- Gratitude. Humble people appreciate the blessings and opportunities in their lives and express thanks sincerely.
- Learner's mindset. They are eager to learn from others and are not afraid to admit when they don't know something.
- Approachability. They are easy to approach and make others feel comfortable around them.
- Team player. Humble individuals value collaboration and prioritize the success of the team over personal recognition.
- Non-judgmental. They avoid passing harsh judgments on others and understand that everyone has their own struggles.
- Helpful. Humble people willingly offer assistance to others without seeking praise or reward.
- Modesty. They downplay their achievements rather than boasting about them excessively.
- Selflessness. Humble individuals put the needs of others before their own and are generous with their time and resources.
- Accountability. They take responsibility for their mistakes and are willing to make amends.
- Patience. Humble people remain calm and patient in challenging situations and are not easily frustrated.
- Adaptability. They can adapt to changing circumstances and are not attached to rigid ways of thinking.
- Willingness to learn. They actively seek opportunities to grow and improve, regardless of their current level of expertise.
- Sincerity. Humble individuals are genuine and authentic in their interactions with others.
- Lack of big ego. They don't need constant validation and are not driven by a desire for personal glory.
- Forgiving. Humble people are quick to forgive and understand that holding onto grudges only harms themselves. They’re also quick to forgive themselves when they make a mistake.
- Contentment. Humble people find happiness in the present moment and don't constantly chase after material possessions.
- Strong listening skills. Humble individuals are attentive listeners who value what others have to say.
- Conflict resolution. Humble people approach conflicts with a desire to find common ground and achieve resolution.
- Encouraging. Humble people uplift and motivate others instead of trying to outshine them.
- Vulnerability. Humble people are willing to show their true selves, including their imperfections and insecurities.
- Appreciation of diversity. Humble individuals embrace the richness of different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.
- Consistency. Humble people consistently demonstrate their values and behaviors regardless of the situation or who they're interacting with. They don't switch personas to seek approval.
- Acknowledgment from people who support them: They readily acknowledge the contributions and support they receive from others and give credit where it's due.
- Reflective: Humble people take time to reflect on their actions and experiences, seeking opportunities for personal growth and learning from their mistakes.
- Resilience: They display resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks, maintaining a positive attitude and bouncing back with determination.
- An ability to celebrate others: Humble individuals genuinely celebrate the successes of others without envy or jealousy, recognizing that everyone's achievements contribute to the greater good.
Remember that humility is a complex trait, and some people may exhibit these attributes to different degrees. It's also important to remember that being humble doesn't mean being passive or lacking self-confidence—humility is about maintaining a balanced view of oneself and fostering positive relationships with others.
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