The Hidden Secret of True Success

*This post may contain affiliate links. See the disclosure policy for more information.

Hi everyone, over the weekend 18th – 20th April 2008, I attended the 2008 Filex Convention at the Sydney Convention Centre in Darling Harbour Sydney.  Its theme was, “Inspire others to achieve”.

This is the annual health and fitness convention where those involved in the fitness industry from all over the Southern Hemisphere come to upgrade their knowledge, find out about the latest in cutting edge techniques, and network with like minded health and fitness professionals.

The opening keynote address was presented by John Dickson, a former singer, theology and ancient history academic.  A very unassuming man, whose presentation was so awe inspiring that I am compelled to share what I learned with anyone and everyone I come across so, here goes….

What one rare trait do all of the greatest people from history share? The answer, HUMILITY!!!

Humility: Is the noble ability to hold your power for the good of others and not for personal gain

The word humility is derived from the word humiliation and in ancient times, humility was considered to be a negative trait to demonstrate.  The ancient civilizations (Greek and Roman) both saw humility as a sign of weakness or to be downtrodden on.  However, and this is no reflection on your religious beliefs, the ultimate humiliation act demonstrated by mankind to date, was when a man by the name of Jesus of Nazareth was put to death by crucifixion.  From that moment in time, humanity’s attitude to demonstrating humility changed so that now our beliefs are such that demonstrating humility is a great trait to demonstrate.

John went on to explain that there are five reasons why we should all cultivate humility.

Humility makes common sense.

Just because you are an expert in one area this does not make you an expert in all.  The more you know about one area of expertise, the less you know about everything else.  So it makes common sense to demonstrate humility because no matter what it is you know about something, someone else always knows more about something else.

Humility is beautiful.

We are attracted to humble people.  Roger Federer, the current world No.1 Tennis Player always thanks his opponents after he has beaten them.  Clearly a great tennis player, but more importantly he is also so very humble during his victories and it is this trait that makes him such a great person.

Humility is the mark of security

Have you ever noticed how the great people of the world are so very secure in their position, situation or environment?  They feel know need to openly express their greatness, unlike some people around.  Conversely, have you ever noticed those who are not so secure in themselves are the ones that try and be what they are not?  These are the bullshit artists!!!!

Humility leads to new abilities.

This is a continuation from point no.1.  When we become an expert? in one area, this does not translate to an expertise in another and so, it makes sense to develop new areas and learn new abilities.  John told a funny story about this which I am going to tell you now.  When he was a singer in a band, his band played a gig in the Northern Territory.  Afterwards, he was invited to have a meal with some Aboriginal elders.  During the meal an elder offered to teach John how to play the didgeridoo.  When John accepted, the elder then spent the next 10 minutes spitting saliva into the instrument, completely coating the interior as well as the mouthpiece with his saliva.  10 minutes later, he handed the didgeridoo to John to play.  Very reluctantly, John took it and learned to play it.  His point was that he was moved way out of his comfort zone to learn something new and this new ability that he has mastered (John played it during his presentation) is something that he may never have taken up.

Humility inspires others to achieve.

How many of you have been inspired to do something or strive to new heights as a result of someone else’s selfless act?  I have  Not something some great person has done, but for me it was something my father said to me when my mother passed away.  He told me that all I had to do from now on, (when she died) was to make her proud.  I hope I am making her smile, where ever she may be.  Definitely, when our when our heroes show humility, it leads to inspiration.  Maybe someone should tell some of our sports heroes this.

So, there you go, my take on humility.  (Actually, not my take, but John Dickson’s). I hope you’ve enjoyed this small piece of philosophy.  I certainly did when I heard the talk.