Ethan Sterling
My grandpa used to say, “Actions speak louder than words.”
Isn’t that a nugget of wisdom we can all appreciate? After all, who wouldn’t want to be known as someone whose actions reflect their true character, rather than relying on words alone?
Now here’s the catch.
Some people just seem to have this natural humility about them. You know the ones – they’re not boastful or loud, but let their actions do the talking. And it’s not because they’re trying to prove a point; it’s just who they are.
Ever wondered how they do it?
Well, if you’re intrigued by these quiet achievers and want to understand what makes them tick, stick around. We’ll be exploring the behaviors that these naturally humble folks commonly exhibit.
So let’s dive in and see what we can learn from these masters of humble action.
1) They listen more than they speak
Listening – it’s a simple act, isn’t it?
But here’s the thing. Many of us are often so busy crafting our next response that we forget to truly listen to what the other person is saying.
Naturally humble people, on the other hand, have a different approach.
They don’t dominate conversations. Instead, they listen – truly and attentively. They understand that each individual holds a universe of experiences and wisdom within them, and they are keen to tap into that.
This isn’t about being passive or shy. It’s about respect. It’s about acknowledging that others have valuable insights to offer, and that sometimes, the best way to learn is to simply be quiet and listen.
2) They’re quick to acknowledge others
Here’s a personal story for you.
I once had a boss, let’s call him Jack. He was the epitome of humility; he never sought the limelight, and he was always quick to acknowledge his team’s efforts.
I remember one particular instance when our team pulled off a major project. During the company-wide meeting that followed, Jack was asked to share how he managed to lead such a successful endeavor.
Do you know what he did? He turned the spotlight on us – his team. He acknowledged everyone’s contributions, highlighting individual efforts and how each one played a part in the project’s success.
It wasn’t about deflecting praise, but about sharing it.
And that’s what naturally humble people do – they recognize and appreciate the people around them.
They understand that success is a collective effort, and they’re quick to acknowledge that.
That day, Jack didn’t just win our respect; he also taught us a valuable lesson in humility.
3) They’re not afraid to show vulnerability
Here’s a truth that’s not always comfortable – we all have our weaknesses, our fears, and our insecurities. It’s part of being human.
But admitting these vulnerabilities? Well, that’s a different ball game altogether.
Naturally humble people, however, don’t shy away from this. They understand that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, but rather a display of authenticity.
Take my friend Sarah, for instance. She’s one of those people who can light up any room with her presence. But she’s also not afraid to share her struggles, her doubts, and the things she’s still learning.
Does this make her appear weak? Quite the opposite. It makes her human, relatable, and yes, humble.
Because admitting you don’t have all the answers is one of the most genuine ways of letting your actions speak louder than words.
4) They don’t let success get to their heads
Success can be a tricky thing. While it’s a cause for celebration, it can also inflate egos if not handled well.
But guess what? Naturally humble people handle success differently.
They stay grounded, even when they’re on top of the world. They know that success isn’t solely their doing; it’s a result of several factors – support from others, timing, luck, and more.
I once met a renowned author at a book festival. Despite his fame and accolades, he was incredibly humble. When complimented on his work, he would graciously accept it, but also make sure to mention the people who helped him along the way – his editors, his readers, and even his critics.
His humility was not an act; it was part of who he was. And it reminded me that no matter how successful we become, staying grounded and remembering where we came from is key to genuine humility.
5) They practice gratitude regularly
Here’s something interesting – did you know that gratitude is often linked with humility?
You see, humble individuals have this knack for seeing beauty in the ordinary. They appreciate the small things and express gratitude regularly. This isn’t just a feel-good exercise; it’s a way of life for them.
Let’s take the example of my yoga teacher, Mia. At the end of every class, she’d always lead us in expressing gratitude – for our bodies, for the time to practice, for each other’s company. It wasn’t a grand gesture, but it left a lasting impression.
This simple act of acknowledging and being thankful for what we have can ground us and nurture a sense of humility.
When we’re grateful, we get a clearer understanding of our place in the grand scheme of things – and that’s when we realize that we’re not the center of the universe.
6) They show empathy towards others
We all go through ups and downs, right? We all have our moments of joy and despair.
Now, imagine someone who doesn’t just sympathize with your situation but truly empathizes with you – they put themselves in your shoes, feel your emotions, and understand your perspective. Feels nice, doesn’t it?
That’s precisely what naturally humble people tend to do.
My neighbor, Rose, is a perfect example of this. She has this ability to connect with people on a deep level – understanding their feelings, validating their experiences, and offering support without judgment.
And you know what? This empathy doesn’t make her a pushover; it makes her a real, compassionate human being.
It’s an embodiment of humility that speaks volumes more than any words could.
7) They’re constantly learning and growing
They understand that there’s always something new to learn, a different perspective to consider, a novel idea to explore. They’re open to feedback, eager to improve, and ready to grow.
Take my mentor, for example. Despite her vast experience and knowledge, she has never stopped learning. She is always open to new ideas, always reading a new book, always asking insightful questions.
This constant willingness to learn and grow is a clear sign of humility. It shows that they don’t consider themselves above anyone else or believe they’ve reached the pinnacle of knowledge.
Remember, no matter where you are in life, there’s always room for growth, always an opportunity to learn.
And that’s probably the most important thing to remember about people who are naturally humble and let their actions speak louder than words.
The final thought
So there you have it – the behaviors that naturally humble people often display. If you find yourself resonating with these traits, it’s likely you’re already on your way to embodying true humility.
Remember, humility isn’t about downplaying your worth. It’s about understanding your place in the grand scheme of things. It’s about recognizing the value in others and learning from them. It’s about being open, vulnerable, and authentic.
Being humble doesn’t mean you have to be passive or self-deprecating. You can stand firm in your beliefs, celebrate your achievements, and have a high sense of self-esteem while still being humble.
Take a moment to reflect on this – how can you incorporate these behaviors into your daily life? How can you let your actions speak louder than words?
It’s not about a complete personality overhaul. It’s about small, consistent changes that bring out the best in you and inspire others.
So go out there and embrace humility – the world needs more of it.
After all, like C.S. Lewis once said: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” And that’s an idea worth embracing.
