[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
“I never want to be one of those egomaniacs jostling for position,” said Sandra, her brow furrowing. “It’s just not my style.”<\/p>\n
“But how will the new CEO know what you want if you don’t tell him?” I asked, leaning forward.<\/p>\n
“He knows about my work. My track record speaks for itself. I shouldn’t have to line up with everyone else just to say I’m deserving of a bigger role.”<\/p>\n
Many of us have felt like Sandra\u2014torn between the desire to make a greater impact and the discomfort with anything resembling “self-promotion.” I certainly have. Yet I’ve observed how fear often disguises itself as humility, giving us socially acceptable ‘air cover’ for avoiding the very actions that would risk our status or comfort.<\/p>\n
We tell ourselves we’re not egotistical like those people, particularly those who are thumping their chests the loudest. Which is true, to some extent. But consider this paradox:<\/p>\n
Not wanting to seem egotistical is, by default, egotistical. We’re simply protecting our ego from judgment or rejection.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-27px||-27px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/pU58m_vyOtM” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n True humility isn’t about depreciating our value or thinking less of ourselves. Rather, to paraphrase C.S. Lewis, it’s about thinking of ourselves less and focusing more on what we can learn from\u2014and do to help\u2014others… even when that means raising our hand, advocating for our value, or stepping squarely into the spotlight.<\/p>\n