Humility — Chapter 6 in Aspire
“To keep a lamp burning we have to keep putting oil in it.” —Mother Teresa
From Chapter 6:
Humility is one of the most misunderstood and misapplied words in all of language. Humility is not being passive and submissive, nor is it distinguished by slumping shoulders, bowed heads, and subservient, downward glances. It is about being teachable and coachable. It implies a continual commitment to learning and growing and expanding. It is living life in crescendo, with shoulders back and heads up as we reach and stretch to become our very best, then extend ourselves to help others do the same. And then, we start again!
The Meaning of Humility
The origin of “humility” is the Latin word “humus” meaning soil, specifically rich, dark, organic soil. When a seed is planted in fertile soil, it transforms into something far greater. The acorn becomes the oak tree. The smallest of seeds carefully planted in the sprint becomes the bounteous harvest in the fall. It all starts with the nurturing quality of the soil—humus.
When we have sufficient humus in our lives, we grow and develop, and foster those around us to flourish. Humility produces growth.
In this chapter we learn about the key to growth, the connection between success and humility, the humble leader, and the habit of humility. Kevin shares with us insights from one of the great master teachers in his life Dr. Stephen R. Covey on the habit of humility. We also learn from Dr. Gerald Bell who taught Kevin the about the link between humility and goal setting via his “Study of 4,000.”
Read more in Aspire: Discovering Your Purpose Through The Power of Words