Grounded. Down to earth. Humble.

These are just a few words I’ve resonated with throughout my life—but I didn’t always feel this way.

I used to see being called humble as a weakness. Many people associate humility with meekness or a lack of confidence. Back then, the people I considered confident showed it in their body language, how they spoke, how they socialized. But I often got the sense that they believed they were already at the peak of their growth—like their learning journey had ended.

You could see it in the way they dismissed advice or rejected constructive criticism. There was an air of arrogance, or at times, quiet condescension.

But the truth is, none of us are finished products. I believe we should all strive to be students of life—constantly growing, evolving, and open to what life and others can teach us. That mindset may come from my upbringing, where I was taught the value of humility and the importance of treating others with kindness—the same kindness I’d hope to receive in return.

In my career, that mindset has served me well. I’ve learned to hold space for both humility and confidence. I know I’m capable, and I trust my abilities—but I’m also open to feedback, willing to learn from my mistakes, and committed to applying those lessons. That combination is where real growth lives.

As I’ve moved through life and gained more experience, I’ve come to believe that humility and confidence not only can coexist—they should. And life often finds funny ways to humble us when we’re getting a little too full of ourselves (or as my dad puts it, “too big for our britches”).

Humility grounds us. It helps us lead with empathy, extend compassion, and remember that we all go through highs and lows. It reminds us that our opinions aren’t absolute truths and that real self-growth begins with recognizing where we can improve.

I’ll end with a few favorite quotes:

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”
— C.S. Lewis

“We are all stumblers, and the beauty and meaning of life are in the stumbling.”
— David Brooks

“Perhaps wisdom… is realizing how small I am, and unwise, and how far I have yet to go.”
— Anthony Bourdain