Being humble doesn’t mean being a doormat or downplaying your strengths.
It means having a realistic sense of your own abilities and limitations, and treating people with respect and kindness. Humble people aren’t afraid to admit when they’re wrong, ask for help, or give credit where it’s due. If you want to cultivate more humility in your own life, take a cue from these 17 attitudes of exceptionally humble people.
1. They do more listening than talking.
No one likes admitting when they’ve screwed up, but humble people understand that owning their mistakes is a sign of strength, not weakness. They don’t make excuses, blame other people, or try to cover up their slip-ups. Instead, they take responsibility, apologise sincerely, and focus on making things right. They see mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning, not as reflections of their inherent worth. Next time you mess up, resist the urge to deflect or minimise — instead, own it and commit to doing better.
3. They give credit where it’s due.
They’re quick to recognise where other people have chipped in. They don’t hog the spotlight or take credit for team efforts. Instead, they go out of their way to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work of those around them. They understand that success is rarely a solo effort, and they’re happy to share the glory. Next time you achieve something great, take a moment to reflect on who helped you get there — and make sure to thank them.
4. They’re eager to learn and grow.
They’re lifelong learners who never assume they have all the answers. They’re always looking to acquire new knowledge, skills, and perspectives. They’re not afraid to ask questions, admit when they don’t understand something, or try to get some insight from people who know more than they do. They see every experience — even the challenging ones — as an opportunity to expand their minds and capabilities. Next time you’re feeling stuck or stagnant, embrace a beginner’s mindset and look for ways to stretch yourself.
5. They focus on other people’s needs sometimes.
They’re tuned in to the needs and feelings of those around them. They don’t just wait for other people to ask for help — they proactively offer their support and resources. They’re generous with their time, energy, and expertise, and they genuinely care about making a positive impact on people’s lives. They understand that true fulfilment comes from serving something greater than themselves. Next time you’re tempted to focus solely on your own agenda, look for ways to lift up and empower those around you.
6. They don’t compare themselves to anyone else.
Humble people understand that everyone is on their own unique journey, with their own set of challenges and triumphs. They don’t waste energy comparing themselves to other people or trying to measure up to some arbitrary standard of success. Instead, they focus on being the best version of themselves and celebrating their own progress and growth. They find inspiration in other people’s accomplishments, rather than feeling threatened or envious. Next time you catch yourself falling into the comparison trap, remind yourself that your worth is not determined by anyone else’s success or failure.
7. They’re not sore losers.
They don’t let success go to their heads or failure crush their spirits. They celebrate their wins with gratitude and share the credit with people who helped them along the way. And when things don’t go their way, they don’t wallow in self-pity or lash out at anyone. Instead, they pick themselves up, learn from the experience, and keep moving forward with resilience and determination. Next time you face a setback or disappointment, remember that your response says more about your character than the outcome itself.
8. They’re open to feedback and criticism.
They don’t see feedback as a personal attack, but as a gift that can help them grow and improve. They actively seek out constructive criticism from trusted sources, and they receive it with an open mind and a willingness to learn. They don’t get defensive or shut down when someone points out their blind spots or areas for improvement. Instead, they express gratitude for the feedback and use it to fuel their personal and professional development. Next time someone offers you a suggestion or critique, resist the urge to dismiss or deflect it — instead, consider how you can use it to become a better version of yourself.
9. They don’t need to be the smartest person in the room.
Humble people don’t feel the need to constantly prove their intelligence or expertise. They’re not threatened by anyone who knows more than they do — in fact, they’re excited to learn from them. They don’t hog the spotlight or dominate discussions with their own opinions and ideas. Instead, they create space for people to shine and contribute their unique perspectives. They understand that collective intelligence is more powerful than individual brilliance. Next time you’re in a group setting, challenge yourself to step back and let other people take the lead — you might be surprised by the insights and innovations that emerge.
10. They’re authentic and vulnerable.
They don’t put on airs or try to project a false image of perfection. They’re not afraid to show their true selves, flaws and all. They understand that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and that it’s the foundation of genuine connection and trust. They’re willing to share their struggles, fears, and imperfections with people, and they create a safe space for those people to do the same. Next time you’re tempted to hide behind a mask or facade, remember that your authenticity is what makes you truly relatable and inspiring.
11. They apologise and mean it.
When they make a mistake or hurt someone’s feelings, they don’t just offer a half-hearted “sorry” and move on. They take the time to reflect on their actions, understand the impact they had, and offer a sincere and specific apology. They don’t make excuses or shift blame, but take full responsibility for their words and deeds. They follow up their apology with concrete actions to make amends and prevent future harm. Next time you need to apologise to someone, resist the urge to gloss over or minimise your impact — instead, dig deep and offer a heartfelt and meaningful expression of remorse.
12. They encourage and empower people.
Humble people understand that there’s enough room at the top for everyone, and that by encouraging people, they’ll benefit everyone. They go out of their way to acknowledge and celebrate people’s strengths, talents, and achievements. They offer encouragement, mentorship, and support to help people reach their full potential. They understand that true leadership is about empowering other people to lead. Next time you have the opportunity to champion someone else’s growth and success, seize it with enthusiasm and generosity.
13. They’re grounded in their values.
They have a strong sense of their own values and principles, and they use them as a compass to guide their actions and decisions. They don’t just pay lip service to their beliefs — they live them out every day, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. They’re not swayed by external validation or approval, but by their own inner sense of integrity and purpose. They understand that true success is not just about what they achieve, but about who they become in the process. Next time you face a tough choice or challenge, take a moment to reflect on your core values — and let them be your north star.
14. They’re willing to take risks and fail.
They understand that growth and innovation often require stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and risking failure. They don’t let the fear of making mistakes or looking foolish hold them back from trying new things and pursuing bold ideas. They embrace a growth mindset, seeing challenges and setbacks as opportunities to learn and adapt. They’re not afraid to ask for help or course-correct when things don’t go as planned. Next time you’re faced with a daunting challenge or opportunity, remember that failure is not the opposite of success — it’s a stepping stone towards it.
15. They put substance before status.
They don’t get caught up in the trappings of status, prestige, or material success. They understand that true worth comes from one’s character, contributions, and relationships — not from external markers of achievement or approval. They don’t name-drop, humblebrag, or flaunt their accomplishments. Instead, they let their actions and impact speak for themselves. They’re more interested in making a difference than making an impression. Next time you’re tempted to chase after a shiny object or accolade, ask yourself: does this align with my deepest values and purpose?
16. They try to stay grateful.
Humble people have a deep appreciation for the blessings and opportunities in their lives, and they express it regularly. They don’t take their good fortune for granted or feel entitled to it. Instead, they approach each day with a sense of wonder, thankfulness, and joy. They’re quick to acknowledge and appreciate the people, experiences, and resources that have helped them along the way. They understand that gratitude is not just a feeling, but a practice — one that can transform even the most challenging circumstances. Next time you find yourself falling into a mindset of scarcity or comparison, take a moment to reflect on all the gifts and goodness in your life — and watch how your perspective shifts.
17. They lead by example.
They understand that the most powerful way to influence and inspire people is through their own actions and behaviours. They don’t just talk the talk — they walk the walk, modelling the values and qualities they wish to see in the world. They’re not perfect, but they strive to be consistent, authentic, and full of integrity in all their dealings. They understand that leadership is not about titles or positions, but about the daily choices and habits that shape one’s character and impact. They inspire people not through force or authority, but through the power of their own example.
