A new study underlines six ways in which the benefits of humility can help us improve our lives. Humility involves a willingness to accept the self’s limits and its place in the grand scheme of things, accompanied by low levels of self-preoccupation. The benefits of humility may include coping with anxiety, higher self-control and better relationships.
1. Higher self-control
Having high self-control is one key to a successful life. Oddly, perhaps, studies have found that an obsession with the self can paradoxically lead to lower self-control. The humble, though, because they place less importance on the self, exhibit higher self-control in many situations. Perhaps this is partly due to the fact that humble people tend to know their limits.
2. Better work performance
The humble not only make better managers, but they also make better employees. A study of employees’ supervisors found that being honest and humble was a good predictor of people’s job performance.
3. Humility leads to less prejudice
One of the characteristics of being humble is having a low sense of entitlement. Humble people don’t think they are owed things. This leads to a less prejudiced view of the world, encouraging them to be tolerant to others and less defensive about their own beliefs.
4. More helpful
Humble people are, on average, more helpful than people who are conceited or egotistical. In one study participants who were more humble were more likely to offer help, and offered more of their time, to those in need. Unsurprisingly, humble people have also been found to be more generous.
5. Humility benefits relationships
Humble people may have better relationships because they accept other people for who they are.
6. Humility soothes the soul
Humble people are better able to cope with anxiety about their mortality. Instead of erecting self-defences against death, humble people tend to find it provides a useful perspective on life and how it should be lived. When it’s not all about you, interestingly, it makes death easier to contemplate.
