Choose Humility Over Pride

Power and success can impress people. But there’s something far more impressive in leadership: humility.

Consider this story.

A rider once came across soldiers struggling to lift a heavy log. Their corporal stood by, barking orders, but offering no help.

The rider asked why.
The corporal replied, “I am the corporal. I give orders.”

The rider dismounted, stepped in, and helped the soldiers lift the log. With his strength added, the task was finally done.

Who was that rider? George Washington, the Commander-in-Chief.

Before leaving, Washington told the corporal: “The next time your men need help, send for the commander-in-chief.”

That’s humility in action. It’s a leader who didn’t rely on his title, but relied on his actions.

Whether you think of yourself as a leader or not, it’s important to remember that, great leaders know the path to effective leadership is paved with humility, not pride.

Humility doesn’t mean weakness. It doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself. C.S. Lewis said it best: “Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”

So today, lead with humility. Not only will you perform better, but people will want to follow and be around you because you aren’t making it about you.

Remember, Humility paves the path. Pride blocks it.

P.S. Want to train your mindset in just 7 days? The Daily Optimism Blueprint is brand new, and it’s just for you. It’s a blueprint to help you build stronger self-talk and start each day with clarity. Get it here for only $17.

Check out the Optimistic Outlooks podcast and leave a review to help the show grow.