One of the most powerful lessons that has shaped my personal, academic, and professional growth is the understanding of humility not as weakness, but as strength; not as self-degradation, but as self-positioning for greatness.
In my journey through life, I have observed a recurring mindset that silently limits many people’s progress. I often describe it as the “colleague mentality.” This mentality manifests when individuals encounter those who are ahead of them in knowledge, experience, influence, or material success, yet insist on relating with them strictly as equals. While equality in human dignity is unquestionable, equality in achievement, wisdom, and results is not automatic. Refusing to recognise this distinction often becomes a barrier to learning.
True growth begins when humility takes the lead. When you approach someone who has already achieved what you desire, your posture matters. Arrogance shuts doors that humility would have opened effortlessly. A proud heart cannot receive instruction, and a closed mind cannot absorb wisdom. I have learnt that no matter how educated, exposed, or accomplished one may be, there is always something to learn from those who are further along the path.
Humility also demands that we confront pride in our circumstances. I have seen individuals struggling financially or professionally, yet refusing opportunities they consider “too small” or “beneath their status.” Some are too proud to start from the bottom, too proud to serve, and too proud to show respect—yet they desire progress. Growth, however, does not negotiate with pride. Life rewards those who are willing to learn, serve, and submit to process.
One profound truth that has guided me is this: learning has no limits. I remain open to learning from anyone young or old, student or mentor, subordinate or superior.
Even if I once played a role in someone’s journey, should they surpass me in any area, wisdom demands that I learn from them. Knowledge is not diminished by its source; it is only diminished by our refusal to receive it.
Sadly, this is where many in the current generation struggle. There is an alarming rise in arrogance a tendency to treat mentors, leaders, and elders as mere colleagues, despite lacking tangible results to justify such confidence. Respect is being replaced by familiarity, and humility by entitlement. The consequence is stagnation disguised as self-worth.
Humility does not mean undervaluing yourself; it means recognising value in others. It is the ability to say, “I do not know everything, and I am willing to learn.” This mindset, among many other virtues, has been instrumental in my growth. It has allowed me access to wisdom, opened doors of mentorship, and positioned me for opportunities I could never have forced through pride.
I conclude with a thought that remains deeply instructive to me:
“The person who has nothing, yet is too big to receive and too big to learn, is the one who will remain in that condition forever.”
Humility is not optional for those who seek lasting success—it is essential.
– Dr. Sule Kabiru
