Confidence and humility – two contrasting traits that rarely come together. But when they do, they form a unique blend that is both empowering and endearing.

I’ve noticed, however, that it’s not easy to identify someone who possesses this rare combination. It’s like trying to spot a shooting star in a city’s night sky.

But don’t fret. I’ve observed certain behaviors that indicate this unusual mix. These are subtle signs, but once you know what to look for, you’ll start seeing them.

Let me guide you through these 9 behaviors that reveal a person’s extraordinary blend of confidence and humility. Trust me, once you spot them, you’ll appreciate the beauty of this rare combination even more.

1) They listen more than they speak

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to dominate conversations, especially when you’re brimming with confidence. However, those who possess a rare blend of confidence and humility know the value of listening.

Listening isn’t just about being silent while others speak; it’s about genuinely understanding what’s being said, asking thoughtful questions, and giving meaningful responses. This behavior is not as common as you might think.

Confident yet humble individuals know that everyone has something valuable to share. They are secure enough in their own knowledge and abilities to know that they don’t have all the answers. And they’re humble enough to admit it.

They don’t shy away from learning from others, regardless of their status or position. By listening more than they speak, they are not only showing respect to others, but also continuously expanding their own perspectives.

2) They’re not afraid to admit their mistakes

One trait I’ve noticed in people who carry this unique blend of confidence and humility is their ability to admit their mistakes. It’s a habit that speaks volumes about their character.

Take, for instance, a personal experience I had during a team project at work. I was working closely with a colleague who was always the first to take responsibility when things didn’t go as planned.

During one project, we faced a major setback due to a miscalculation on our part. Most people in his position would have tried to shift the blame or make excuses. But not him. He promptly admitted his mistake, apologized, and immediately started working on a solution.

His confidence didn’t falter because of one mistake. Instead, he used it as a learning opportunity, showing humility in acknowledging the error and the courage to rectify it.

That kind of behavior is a real-life example of someone who embodies both confidence and humility. It’s about accepting that you’re human and fallible, but also having the confidence to handle these situations with grace and learn from them.

3) They celebrate others’ success

People with a blend of confidence and humility don’t view others’ success as a threat to their own. Instead, they celebrate it. They understand that life isn’t a zero-sum game where one person’s gain is another’s loss.

Research in the field of positive psychology reveals that expressing happiness for someone else’s success – a gesture of empathy – not only enhances our own well-being but also fosters a supportive and positive environment.

Those with confidence and humility are secure enough to applaud others’ achievements without feeling overshadowed. They’re driven by their own goals and standards, not by outdoing everyone else.

4) They’re always willing to help others

People with a rare blend of confidence and humility have a natural inclination to assist others. They understand their own worth and abilities but also recognize the value in others.

These individuals are often the first ones to offer help, be it lending a hand in a project or providing guidance to a colleague. They don’t see this as a burden or a threat to their own success.

Instead, they see it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and build relationships. Their confidence allows them to share their knowledge freely, while their humility reminds them that everyone has something valuable to contribute.

5) They’re comfortable with not being the center of attention

Confidence often comes with a desire to be in the spotlight. But individuals who exhibit both confidence and humility are comfortable even when they’re not the center of attention. They don’t need constant validation from others to feel secure about their worth.

They’re happy to let others shine, knowing well that everyone has their moments. They appreciate the contributions of others and don’t feel threatened when someone else takes the stage.

Being comfortable in the background requires a strong sense of self-esteem and an understanding that everyone plays a crucial role in a team’s success. It’s a sign of maturity and a clear indicator of a balanced blend of confidence and humility.

6) They respect everyone, irrespective of their role

It’s easy to respect those in authority or those who hold power. But it takes a person with a unique blend of confidence and humility to show respect irrespective of roles or titles.

These individuals understand that everyone, from the CEO to the office janitor, plays a vital role in the organization’s functioning. They don’t let titles dictate their behavior. Instead, they treat everyone with kindness and respect, acknowledging their efforts and contributions.

This level of respect comes from a place of genuine appreciation and understanding that every role matters. It’s a trait that not only speaks volumes about their character but also creates a positive and respectful environment for everyone.

7) They’re open to feedback and criticism

A trait I’ve found in individuals with a blend of confidence and humility is their openness to feedback and criticism. They understand that they’re not perfect and see every opportunity as a chance to learn and grow.

I recall a time when I received some harsh criticism about a project I had been working on. It was hard to hear, but it was also a moment of realization for me.

Instead of dismissing the feedback, I took it into consideration, worked on the areas that needed improvement, and ultimately produced better results. It wasn’t easy, but it was an important lesson in humility.

Confidence allows these individuals to accept criticism without feeling threatened, while their humility helps them understand that there’s always room for improvement. So if you see someone handling feedback gracefully, they probably possess this rare combination of traits.

8) They don’t boast about their achievements

People who carry both confidence and humility have a unique way of handling their successes. They don’t feel the need to constantly boast about their achievements or seek validation from others.

Their confidence stems from their inner belief in their abilities, not from external recognition. They let their work speak for itself and believe that actions hold more weight than words.

At the same time, their humility keeps them grounded. They understand that success is a journey, not a destination, and they are always looking for ways to improve and grow.

9) They are self-aware

Above all, individuals with a blend of confidence and humility possess a high level of self-awareness. They have a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and are not afraid to acknowledge them.

This self-awareness allows them to be confident in their abilities while also recognizing areas they need to improve. They appreciate their worth but also understand that they’re a work in progress.

This level of self-understanding is not easy to achieve, but it’s a key characteristic that differentiates those who balance confidence and humility from those who don’t. It’s the cornerstone that allows all the other behaviors to fall into place.

Closing thoughts: it’s a journey

The 9 behaviors we’ve explored are just the tip of the iceberg in understanding this unique blend. Each behavior is a stepping stone towards achieving that balance, but the journey doesn’t end there. These traits represent a mindset, a way of life. They require practice and patience, but the results are well worth the effort.

Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck’s research on “growth mindset” highlights that our abilities and intelligence can be developed. This ties in perfectly with the concept of balancing confidence and humility. It’s not a fixed trait; it’s something that can be cultivated over time.

In the end, striking the balance between confidence and humility not only enhances our personal growth but also positively impacts those around us. It makes us better leaders, better learners, and ultimately, better human beings.