humility

“People with humility don’t think less of themselves; they just think about themselves less.”   — Ken Blanchard

 

It may be a minority opinion, but to this current events observer, thinking about oneself less is always more attractive — humility is more attractive… more attractive than boasting, more attractive than ego, more attractive than any criticism or lessening of others.  Any among us can swagger and swoon, directing all eyes to “look at me… look at who I am… look at what I’ve done.”  It seems the rarer, wiser man, however, who knows that the more attractive, influential approach is to be humble, especially when chosen amid the display of distinct ability, accomplishment, influence, or intellect… especially when the cameras are on…

 

It was hard not to notice Richard Sherman’s rant Sunday night after his Seattle Seahawks earned their position in Super Bowl XLVIII.  After sealing a Seahawk victory by making a fantastic, late-in-the-game play that denied what could have been the winning touchdown for the opposition, cornerback Sherman was interviewed on the sidelines by FOX reporter, Erin Andrews.

 

ANDREWS:  “Richard, let me ask you.  The final play — take me through it.”

 

SHERMAN:  (loudly) “Well, I’m the best corner in the game!  When you try me with a sorry receiver like Crabtree, that’s the result you gonna get!  Don’t you ever talk about me!”

 

ANDREWS:  (gently — geepers — seemingly working extra hard to maintain her composure on national television) “Who was talking about you?”

 

SHERMAN:  “Crabtree!  Don’t you open your mouth about the best, or I’m gonna settle it for you real quick!  L.O.B.!”

 

(Note:  “L.O.B.” refers to “Legion of Boom,” Seattle’s nickname for its defense.)

 

For the record, Sherman is inarguably considered one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL today.  But the message the Intramuralist has for Sherman — and it’s the same message I attempt to remember myself, teaching my kids as well — is to act like you’ve been there before.  When you accomplish something great — when you win a competition, an election or award, even a spot in the Super Bowl — no matter the magnitude of the accomplishment, act like you’ve been there before.  Act like you know how to win with grace and humility.  Don’t use the moment to say “look at me… look at who I am… look at what I’ve done.”  Use the moment wisely; use it humbly.  Remember that humility is the more attractive, influential approach.

 

It’s the same message I would suggest each time a politician feels need to tell us that “I won” the election.  There’s no need to announce one’s status.  There’s no need to ostentatiously vocalize victory nor boast about being the best; that approach typically solely serves to lesson someone else.  Using one’s own ability or accomplishment to lessen someone else only lessens the accomplishment.

 

Perhaps then the primary point is found in author Blanchard’s quote, that humble people actually “think about themselves less.”  They don’t have to boast or brag or announce victory because it’s simply not the way they think; those words aren’t routinely uttered because they aren’t on the tip of their tongue; they aren’t actually thinking about how wonderful or powerful they are.  They aren’t focused on self.

 

Not focused on self.  Perhaps a minority opinion.  Still wise.

 

Respectfully,

AR