3 Ways to Cultivate True Humility in Your Life

3 Ways to Cultivate True Humility in Your Life

Do you remember the 5,000-meter race at the Olympics in Rio, where Abbey D’Agostino from the American team and New Zealander Nikki Hamblin collided by the 3,200-meter mark and fell to the track?

Abbey jumped right up but she stopped to help Nikki get back on her feet. And Nikki returned the favor minutes later, cheering Abbey as she limped along, her right leg injured in the fall.

If they were like most Olympians, they had already put in 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to reach this point. And physical readiness only accounts for 18 percent of the time dedicated to their sport, experts say, noting that preparing for the Olympics includes building the mindset, getting enough sleep and, putting most everything else aside, focusing on a single goal.

Yet, in a split second that summer day in Rio, Abbey and Nikki took another path, setting aside their race for the gold to help each other cross the finish line. It obviously wasn’t the outcome they envisioned but in the world’s eye, they walked away winners.

It’s all so very Oola, in a way we might sometime lose sight of in our race to reach our OolaGoal. Make no mistake about it, you are awesome!

You are capable of great things. We know it; we’ve seen it for ourselves! We’ve cried with you. We’ve celebrated your successes on your path to an OolaLife.

Hopefully, too, by example we’ve shown you that true balance comes with a sense of humility and a commitment to serving others you meet along the way. As with Abbey and Nikki, it seems counter to everything we’ve strived for, putting the focus on our personal growth. But practicing humility, an OolaAccelerator right up there with love, gratitude, passion, discipline, integrity and wisdom, will propel you down the OolaPath in ways you’ll only appreciate once you experience it.

Here’s a good place to start:

  • Commit yourself to making you the most balanced and capable person you can be. Abbey couldn’t have helped Nikki, and Nikki, Abbey, if they hadn’t made the Olympic cut. Pursuing positive change through your OolaGoals puts you in position to serve as you find your purpose in life.

  • At the same time, keep in mind that life isn’t always about you. In fact, you’ll find that the most successful people in the world are often the humblest. There’s a quiet confidence that comes with listening more than you talk, respecting those around you and responsibly owning the mistakes you’ve made.

  • Act on your new sense of self. Do something kind with no expectation of anything in return. Quietly reach out, leaving pride and ego on the doorstep. And surround yourself with others who keep you grounded as you come together, lifting others up. Like Abbey and Nikki, in your selflessness, you’ll shine!

And always remember, be grateful, have faith, and go get your OolaLife!