Humilty, being humble. It comes easy for some, and harder for others, whether in business or in personal relationships. Some stumble through life being called arrogant or egotistical, and never change because of pride. Others change because they want to grow as a person. In business, being known as being arrogant, can become a bad thing.
I’ve been guilty of this. I’ve been called arrogant. For me, it was upsetting to hear. I come from extremely humble beginnings and worked hard for everything I had. I’ve always been open to changing myself for the better.
It’s rough, and I’m not here to lecture others and scold you for the same things I’ve been guilty of. I want this post to be there for those who’ve fought the fight and now that you’re doing great, you no longer have to fight the same way. This may also be for those who have suffered the imposter syndrome in order to get the success that they wanted. You still have to hustle.
I do want to note that my own journey never involved practicing the imposter syndrome, or the “fake it ’til you make it.” I’ve been transparent about myself, and have had days that I’ve had to sacrifice things in order to where I am today. I still let people know where I was at, and that transparency allowed me to connect with others in the WordPress community.
Humility And Being Open to Change
When you’ve become an authority in your niche, sometimes it’s easy to just begin the bragging that you did this, and that, and whatever. The issue is, that you no longer have to list your resume to people. You’ve established yourself, and your knowledge and work speaks for itself.
Now, that doesn’t mean that you just not do anything. You still need to work, but do so with a different attitude. I’ve found that once you’ve been recognized that you’ve become an authority or an influencer, that you will get called out from people about your attitude. What you say does matter.
Those raving fans that have followed you, can also unfollow you based on what and how you say it. I encountered this, and it was upsetting because it wasn’t my intention to come across as arrogant. I was called out by people who care and want me to thrive.
Sometimes, as I’ve experienced, you’ll get caught up in a moment or event, and forget that other people matter. Being passionate about what you do is great. Steamrolling people without giving them a chance or credit where it’s due, can become a bad thing.
Today, I’m doing my best to revise how I say something. I also try to approach situations while being full of gratitude or trying to be more positive. The last thing that has been helping, is that I’m listening more.
I’m still working on this, and hope my post helps you, especially if you’re having the same issue. Have you been called arrogant? Have you experienced a similar story? Share your story below and what you did to become more humble.
Hey Nile,
Success can make some people look arrogant. They may not really be arrogant but their new status (especially those from humble backgrounds) may make some people think they have been changed by success.
Sometimes, people have to understand others who are growing. While it may become difficult for some to really manage their new status, some who are really humble remain humble in every situation 😉
Some are naturally arrogant, even with nothing to stand on. I had a very ugly experience last Sunday with a colleague who was very arrogant towards the advice from the head of the group. That guy has always been like that and it’s hard to collaborate with such people who always think they are right and should be listened to.
Well, thanks for taking this post to this angle today. Hope you are set for a wonderful week ahead
I’l admit I have issues with how people use the terms arrogant and humble quite often. Usually it seems they call people arrogant just when they don’t like them. If they do like them then it is confidence. And humble often really is a word without much meaning. But the theme of your post I agree with.
We should be polite and treat people well. We should also be confident and continually seeking to learn based on the understanding that whatever we know there is plenty more to know.
Hi Nile,
What you have mention in this post is really nice thought explained here and taking about humility and being open to change should consider by everyone who needs because some of guys are arrogant in all behavior i have seen in my carries.
Regards
Rama Krishna
Nile,
Thanks for sharing. Learning to be ‘diplomatic’ is something that we all need to learn, believe me. I’ve read this book at least twice in my life, maybe three times: ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ Gosh, that book has saved my life! Also, the pain of correction just means you’re being prepared for bigger and greater things in your life.
Hi Nile,
It’s good to be here (again) after some time.
Normally, pride is an awfully bad thing…however, my experience is that, for most persons who were once humble, it is success and greatness that is being confused with pride and arrogance…
The truth, my dear Nile, is that you cannot keep being the normal humble you, if you are interested in keeping your new found status/success…this is where you need to look critically within.
If you find yourself wanting from the inside, then, you certainly have to work on some issues…otherwise, it’s simply a matter that will pass.
Whatever you arrive at, kindly understand that your life is yours alone and nobody will ever understand you, work and motives as well as you understand yourself.
Do make the day great!
Always,
Akaahan Terungwa
Hello,
First of all I thank you for the fantastic article you have shared. When I look into myself, the biggest struggle was to be open for change.
But, slowly tips from you all is helping me to be open to change. It is improving myself too.
Some people when they achieve something, think they won the world. I hate them instantly not because of jealousy, no. I always try to stay humble and down to earth.
Very nice article.
Interesting post Nile. I don’t think I’ve ever been called arrogant, but there are times when I think I might be. Over all these years, I’ve seen a lot of similarity and copying and I call it out on my blog, and sometimes include other folks in the mix when I do. Still, I don’t see it as arrogance as much as a teaching moment; if we can’t share what we know and what we believe then we might have to ask ourselves what our purpose is.
There i absolutely nothing wrong with a little humble pie Nile!
That word arrogant gets tossed around a lot, sometime by
some that simply resent anyone that has accomplished things, they
haven’t.
For sure, there are definitely some among us, that deserve such a title, but often times
these labels are just some peoples way of taking shots!
Still in all, the fact that you can search yourself and see room for improvement says a lot!
Thanks for honestly addressing such an important subject!