Wisely Humbled

Steven was a top-notch writer in high school, or so he thought.

Teachers called on him to write poetry pieces for competitions, speeches for award ceremonies, and even short dramas for the drama club.

He felt valuable and took pride in it.

Everyone needed him because his writing was good.

Then, soon enough, he graduated and went to college.

There, he believed he could use the same tactics that worked in high school to win people over to his writing.

He soon realized that he had many strengths, but they were more common than he initially thought.

College isn’t high school.

Steven could see that in college, there’s a sea of talented people who have built portfolios, landing them good and expensive jobs despite being around the same age as him.

His mind swirled in disbelief several times as others’ pieces were chosen over his.

Soon, he recognised that the only way to successfully navigate a writing career and excel in it was to take several steps back and learn from others.

Steven needed to surround himself with people who would truthfully critique his craft, possibly more intelligent than he was, and absorb from them.

He eventually landed his first paying job, and even then, he found himself working with very experienced individuals whose skill level he felt he was nowhere near.

Sometimes, when he thought he was on the right track and performing well, he discovered he wasn’t.

Steven had to take those steps back, as he did before, and be open to corrections in order to keep his job.

Humbling? Absolutely!

Over time, we learn that humility is the calling card to counteract pride.

It involves not putting ourselves down but placing others before us.

This principle doesn’t apply only to our careers; the application of humility also serves as a stepping stone to improving other areas of our lives.

Another priceless benefit of humility is wisdom, something no one can succeed without.

James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

I mean, who doesn’t want that?

We do not lose anything through a finely tuned walk with humility.

People may inevitably try to take us for granted sometimes and step all over us, but it doesn’t at all make you or me any less of a person.

For Steven, owning his flaws and taking responsibility for his lack of knowledge, by seeking help and learning from others, helped him get to where he is today in his career and other aspects of his life.

This journey underscores the vital principle that we, too, ought to embrace: the necessity of continuous learning and growth in all aspects of our lives.

A learned lifetime lesson is far more priceless. Regardless of how far we advance, the need to pause and develop further remains constant.

In our humility, wisdom finds a home. Nothing beats that.

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 11:2