Stop Taking Yourself so Seriously

I’m all about dressing in black, riding Harley Davidsons, driving in Ford F-150s, loving tattoos, and hitting the gym religiously, seven days a week.

What’s this got to do with not taking yourself too seriously?

Well, if I did, I’d likely look down on folks who prefer bright colors, ride Kawasakis, drive Chevys, steer clear of tattoos, or skip the gym altogether. But, because I keep a light touch on my own self-importance, I simply see others’ preferences as just that — their own.

How does this connect to leadership and personal growth?

It’s all about finding the sweet spot between humility and confidence.

True success in both arenas hinges on striking that balance. Confident leaders attract followers, while humble ones keep evolving through continuous learning.

But hold up, aren’t you just talking about ego here?

Well, yes and no. We all have an ego — it’s part of being human. The problem arises when we take ourselves too seriously, mistaking our sense of self-esteem for something grander.

Having a healthy ego is fine; it’s when you start believing your own hype that trouble brews. I’ve been there, perceived as arrogant during the early years of my career. But looking back, I wasn’t cocky; I was just intensely focused on learning and applying that knowledge.

So, what shifted years ago?

I bought into the idea that I needed to dial down my confidence and lead with more humility. And while humility is crucial, it’s a delicate balance. Embracing humility doesn’t mean you’re devoid of value or opinions; it means you’re open to others’ perspectives.

Humility and confidence aren’t mutually exclusive. It’s a dance, a constant recalibration. Don’t take what others say too seriously; instead, approach it with a discerning eye. Stay open, keep learning, and stride forward with the confidence that comes from genuine self-assurance — not a facade of arrogance.

Because in the end, it’s not about always being right or having all the answers. It’s about being open to growth, willing to empty your cup, and embracing the journey with humility and confidence, hand in hand.

I heard this somewhere, I think it might have been Kobe Bryant.

“Practice like you have never won before, and play like you have never lost before”.

In essence, stay humble as you learn and be confident as you take action. Your journey of learning has equipped you to face whatever challenges you are staring in the face.