The Power of Humility by Sheila Harris

 

What does it take to be humble?

I remember being in shock along with the rest of the world after hearing about actor Chadwick Boseman’s death. The news was heartbreaking, to say the least—not only because we lost someone who possessed extraordinary talent, but also because of the revelation that he bravely fought colon cancer for years. And, all while still being able to gift us with his iconic portrayal of characters such as James Brown, Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and King T’Challa, just to name a few.

Looking back at clips of Boseman on the red carpet or during press junket interviews, what stood out for me the most was the spirit of humility that he always exuded. I assumed that this stemmed solely from his Southern upbringing, mixed with a desire for privacy. Now, we all realize the incredible amount of strength to be able to carry the weight of a devastating illness and still demonstrate brilliance in his work.

I think for those of us who are navigating our own careers—whether after one year or twenty—it is easy to struggle with humility. For some, it may not be a concept that is even considered. At times, we may move up the corporate ladder, win awards, and garner accolades without a thought of where we came from or who helped us along the way. For others, we are well aware of the blessings that God has given us (and the weight that we may have to carry with it.) However, an internal struggle can take place in our minds when we believe that others aren’t acknowledging who we are in the way that we would like.

I believe the greatest lesson that Boseman left us is to be mindful of the end of our story. While he and his close-knit circle of family and friends could have spoken out and requested special treatment for him (and of course it would have been more than warranted), he instead allowed his work and dedication to speak volumes for him. It is now that we see the full measure of his spirit.

It has been said that humility can be defined as “strength under control.” I want to say that the way of humility is never easy. It may require you to rise above the loud opinions of others who are quick to judge you without knowing the full story. Like Boseman, you may even have to push through a debilitating disease in silence in order for the project or vision to be achieved. In spite of it all, he kept his eye on the endgame.

What will be said about you when you arrive at the end of your story? Let’s aim to carry ourselves in a way so that we can be remembered not only for the work that we have accomplished but also for the humility that we show when we put the cause of the greater good ahead of our own.

Sheila Harris is a speaker/coach/publicist. She is also the author of Calling Revealed: 7 Spiritual Lessons to Uncover Your Purpose. Follow her on Instagram @SistaSheilaSays.