#12 Humility - It solves a big problem

One of the most sought-after traits in business and in life is that of self-confidence. A belief in oneself can be a precursor to better performance, better well-being, improved social standing and even better health outcomes...but can you have too much?

​So, with the importance of confidence being well established, how much confidence is enough? And more importantly, how much is too much? Can having an oversupply of confidence be a draw back?
  
People who demonstrate arrogance often see themselves as better than others, tend to place an emphasis on being right, and frequently discount ideas that are different to their own. Obviously, the belief that one can do no wrong is not only a dangerous trait, but also one that leads to disconnection and even conflict.

​In short, people are not keen to engage with arrogance and overconfidence.

​Pro Tip: The antidote to arrogance
​This is where Humility is hugely valuable. When confidence is offset by humility, the threat of arrogance can be easily avoided.

People with humility accept that important ideas and information can come from a range of different sources. They are open to ideas that are different to their own and tend not to exaggerate their own importance.

Choose to balance confidence and humility in order to be the best for yourself and those around you.

​Interesting Fact:
The Greeks have a word for it - The word “Hubris” can be traced back to ancient Greece and in modern times its meaning has evolved to categorise a distinct overconfidence or arrogance. The Greeks believed hubris was a fatal flaw and in mythology it often marked the hero’s downfall. These traits of overconfidence and arrogance persist today, and they are generally not easily tolerated by those in close proximity.