11 traits of humble people that we all can learn from

We often let our egos get the best of us without us realizing it.

Think back to a moment in your life when you were overconfident in your abilities and it resulted in some kind of embarrassment or failure.

While it’s natural that that happens, it’s wise to keep your ego in check.

When you aren’t trying to impress someone, but instead giving your best effort on your work, that’s when you’ll feel the most fulfilled with your accomplishments — that’s the value of humility.

But what is the formula for humility?

Here are 11 qualities of a humble person that you can apply to your daily life.

1) They aren’t afraid of being wrong asking for help

You’re in a big meeting. The boss is briefing all of you on a new project that the company is going to take on.

There are graphs and numbers and concepts being mentioned — and you don’t understand most of it. Maybe some.

But there are holes in your understanding that you’re too shy to bring up in front of your coworkers; you might look like a fool asking a stupid question.

That won’t stop a humble person.

They’re okay with being the “dumbest person in the room” because if they are, then it’s more for them to learn — and they’re always open to improving themselves.

Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness.

On the contrary, it might even be better than not asking for help.

When you make assumptions on a team project, you run the risk of developing conflicting ideas.

Progress halts and now there’s a new problem to resolve.

Humble people know that it’s better to look like a fool now than to create conflict later.

2) They’re open to constructive criticism

No one has got it all figured out. There’s always space for growth and improvement.

Life has a way of making sure that you know that you have yet to perfect your craft because there’s always going to be a challenge every day.

Humble people have learned to accept their weaknesses — but they aren’t hindered by it.

Instead, what they do is work on strengthening them.

They aren’t ashamed of failing in front of others. They ask you for comments and criticisms on how to improve themselves.

With the help of all the feedback that they look for, they’re more likely to improve their performance much faster than those who shun any criticism or comments.

They don’t take it personally because it’s the only way for them to get better at what they do.

3) They’re patient

Being put on hold for a few minutes, your neighbor’s dog barking too loudly and often, your waiter serving you the wrong dish; these things can be quite irritating.

When we experience these things, we feel inconvenienced and annoyed, potentially even frustrated.

How could someone possibly put up with these things? Simple: by practicing humility.

Humble people understand that they aren’t the center of the universe.

The world does not stop and start at their will — and that’s fine with them.

They’ve learned to build a high tolerance for frustration and being offended.

They understand that maybe the person on the other line is still finishing something, that the neighbors might be busy, or that the waiter was having a long day.

They’ve developed their patience by trying to empathize with others, allowing them to live a more peaceful life.

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4) They praise other people

Humble people don’t feel insecure when someone close to them gets promoted or earns a special award.

Instead, they celebrate their friends’ achievements. They freely support others without cultivating jealousy or resentment.

Self-comparison isn’t something that humble people do. They don’t need it.

They measure their worth on their own metric based on their own efforts, not based on who earns the most or gets the award first.

5) They’re good listeners

Conversations are great ways to connect with another person.

It’s the chance where both of you get to learn more about each other — at least, in an ideal setting.

It’s more common now to be talking to someone who’s got their phone in their hand, glancing at it every few seconds or so.

That’s a sign that they’re distracted, not engaged in your talk, and, overall, not listening to you.

Humble people take the opportunity for conversation to truly get to know whomever they’re talking to.

You can observe that their phone is nowhere to be found — it’s tucked away in their pocket.

When you’re talking to a humble person, they are there with you; remembering the small details and asking you engaging questions.

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6) They respect everyone

A diverse world means having people who have diverse perspectives on politics; different tastes in movies and music; and a variety of outlooks on life.

People have a tendency to stick with people who share their values and ideals, and shun those who don’t.

Historically, the differences in beliefs have made way for division and, unfortunately, hostility among people.

While humble people have their own set of beliefs and values, they welcome those who have a different mindset as theirs.

Beneath the opinions and the colors, they understand that we are all the same; we are all human beings together.

They set aside their differences and seek to connect and understand others.

7) They always show their gratitude

Much of what can be accomplished in life can only be done with the help of others, even if it’s a project of one’s own.

There is always going to be someone to help you out or even give you the moral support that you need to overcome your challenges.

Humble people never forget that.

They don’t take things for granted. In every one of their experiences, they always find something to be grateful for.

In failure, they can show their thanks by taking it as a free lesson given by life to help them improve in the future.

Or when they succeed, it can be the test of their humility.

They don’t boast about what they have because they know that it wasn’t all them.

Knowing that they wouldn’t be able to go through life without the support of friends and family keeps a humble person’s feet on the ground.

8) They can read the room

Humble people are sensitive to other people’s feelings.

If they sense that people in the room are sitting in an awkward lull, they might open up a fun conversation to get people feeling at ease.

Likewise, if other people begin talking in a serious tone and the atmosphere is feeling tense, humble people know when to hold their tongue.

They’re always thinking about others and how to make everyone’s experiences more comfortable.

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9) They’re good mediators

In the event an argument breaks out among their coworkers or friends, humble people are more willing to step in.

They want to restore the order and do their part in resolving the issue.

They don’t take either side; instead, they choose to be on the side of mutual understanding and a harmonious relationship.

Humble people set aside their own opinions of the situation to view it clearly.

They talk to each person involved to get either side, listening as objectively as they can.

A humble person isn’t trying to be the judge — they’re trying to help each party come to an agreement calmly.

They can also understand when an argument isn’t for them to step in for; when the problem is deeply personal between the two.

Humble people know that there are some things that they don’t need to be a part of.

10) They’re considerate of others

It’s common for people to mind their own business.

They keep their head down, glued to their computers in the office, and focused on accomplishing their own tasks for the day.

Nothing wrong with that.

But there would be times when someone might be visibly struggling.

They stare at their computer screen blankly or they’ve found themselves surrounded by a garden of crumpled paper.

While others might look and say “Glad I’m not that person” or even ignore them and focus on their own tasks, a humble person would act otherwise.

Since humble people are sensitive to other people’s feelings, they can detect when someone is in need of some support.

They’re always willing to set aside what they’re doing and lend a helping hand.

11) They respect themselves

Although on the outside it might look like they’re too submissive or that they have a low self-esteem, a humble person can still remain confident in themselves.

The reason why they are so humble is that they feel they have nothing else to prove.

They have already accepted themselves for who they are. There’s no need for any more validation.

It’s the cultivation of self-respect that allows for humility.

Understanding that you may not have all the answers or that you aren’t better than anyone because of what you have keeps your ego in check, and allows you to connect with others more easily.

Being humble doesn’t mean that you don’t show yourself any respect, it’s about showing more to others.