Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself. It’s thinking of yourself less.

This line is often credited to C. S. Lewis, but it is a later paraphrase of his chapter on pride, “The Great Sin,” in Mere Christianity. There Lewis describes a truly humble person as someone who isn’t thinking about humility, or about themselves, at all. The point survives the paraphrase: humility is not self-deprecation but a shift of focus away from oneself.

True humility allows us to listen, empathize, and support others without feeling the need to assert our own importance constantly. By thinking of yourself less, you create space for collaboration, learning, and deeper connections. This mindset fosters authentic leadership and more meaningful relationships, as people feel seen and valued.

Identify one situation today where you can step back and focus more on others’ needs, contributions, or perspectives rather than your own.

Notice how this shift changes your interactions and the dynamics around you.