It is Not Hard to Be Humble

Given the right mix of circumstances, it is certainly not hard to be humble. This is contrary to what a popular country and western song would have us believe. We have to remind ourselves, from time to time, that we are living in a truly inter-dependent world. We need the ‘others‘ in our lives to actually give witness to our presence and contributions in this world. Have you ever wondered why many important and powerful individuals of the world are actually quite humble by nature?

They do not need to show off or talk down to people. They are confident and secure individuals. They pay attention when you have something to say. They possess excellent values and have a realistic expectation of their self worth. Thus, they do not need to trample on others to boost their importance. It is always the insecure individual or the little Napoleon who resorts to this sort of unhealthy behaviour.

It is, therefore, wholly appropriate and wonderful to have the opportunity to give thanks, show appreciation and express gratitude as and when it is deemed necessary. And we ought to do so in a timely fashion. Let there not be occasions for regret.

GLAD TO HAVE SHOWN GRATITUDE

I would like to share the story of an associate of mine, Michael (not his real name) who was deeply grateful to a very good friend for a number of kind actions and efforts on his behalf.

When Michael was posted to Cape Town, South Africa for a month’s work assignment in the early 2000s, he invited his good friend to visit him for a week towards the end of his tour. The friend accepted the invitation and they had a good time during that week. They did the usual sightseeing tours and enjoyed many meals together. On the night before his departure to Kuala Lumpur, Michael hosted a grand dinner for his good friend and publicly thanked him for his many kindnesses before a small group of common friends.

A few years later, this good friend informed Michael that he had been honoured with a special award by his professional institute. Michael once again quite spontaneously, organised a celebratory dinner in his honour and invited twenty close friends for this celebration. It was a gesture that was greatly appreciated by the honouree.

Two months later, the good friend passed away suddenly following a massive heart attack. Michael who was affected by this sad news was, however, so glad that he had acted on his instincts and had done the right and honourable thing and that too in a timely fashion.

SINS OF OMISSION

Michael had shown, in no unmistakeable way, that he was grateful to his friend for his many kindnesses and generosity. How many of us can say the same thing? Or do some of us have a guilty conscience that somehow troubles us because we failed to do the right thing and at the right time too? Expressing gratitude makes us that much more real, humble, human and decent.

We ought to remember that all our successes and achievements are the result of the influence, example and support that we received from other individuals along the way. These individuals may have been a parent, teacher, neighbour, mentor, coach or even a colleague. Taking the time and the trouble to give thanks, express appreciation and show gratitude makes eminent sense. In the process, we become more caring and sensitive, conscious of the positive and enabling role others have played in our lives. However good or great you think you are, don’t you too want to be a better person?

* Benedict Morais headed two international professional accounting institutes in Malaysia for almost two decades. He is a past president of the Institute of Public Relations Malaysia as well as the Kiwanis Club of Kuala Lumpur. A writer, trainer and public speaker, you can follow Benedict at benmorais.wordpress.com. This article is an excerpt from Benedict’s latest book, Choosing to Raise the Bar – Refl ections on Continuous Self Development. For more info or to purchase the book, please visit https://benmorais.wordpress.com/books/ or email Benedict at benedict.morais@gmail.com