Flipping Humility On Its Head

Something I’ve studied deeply, and try to practice as best as I can, is humility. I learned from David Meltzer that ‘humility’ has two different expressions: The first is being willing to get your hands dirty and to not be above any task… And the second being willing to ask for help even when you’re the one who’s supposed to have the answers.

Think of it through the lens of leadership. Someone who is willing to do the menial, back-breaking work in the trenches alongside their team, and ask for their input and guidance when it comes to determining strategy, is a great leader. They embody both types of humility.

I find that humility often mirrors the concept of abundance. Abundance means there’s more than enough. So when you believe that the world is abundant, you become more likely to act humbly: To give without expectation of anything in return and to receive without judgment, shame, or a need to reciprocate.

While we want to be as humble as possible at all times, and therefore facilitate the flow of value so that everyone has more than they’ll ever need, it expresses itself differently in different seasons. When you have little, it’s more common to ask for a helping hand. When you’re fresh off some big success and life is good, you’re more likely to be generous and offer your support.

That’s what comes naturally, so to tap into your next level of humility and abundance, you need to be thoughtful about doing the opposite. What if when you don’t have much, that’s when you’re the most generous? What if when you’re in a season of having a lot to give, you seek to get support with your weaknesses and blind spots?

Beyond incorporating this more into your day to day where you’re simply asking and giving more often, take a quick audit right now to make this immediately actionable. Which have you been doing less of recently: Asking for help, or offering it? 

Whatever comes up for you as less expressed, I encourage you to send out one request or one offer. In doing so you’re elevating your environment, facilitating the flow of value in the world, practicing humility and being more abundant. 

And I promise you… It will only serve to help you and others.

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