People are basically proud of their achievements. Who aren’t? Achievements give people a sense of pride and power.
But…
some people are also basically humble of their achievements. Why not? Achievements sometimes give people a sense of humility too.
Maybe…
achievements can make people either proud or humble.
If there is a season I really hate… it’s election season – the worse season we could ever had. It’s worse than winter. I hate it because political hopefuls are all self-righteous. They are all bragging about their achievements left and right while accusing each other of their personal weaknesses.
It’s so depressing.
One day someone asked me, “are you a good teacher?”
I was caught off guard. That was the first time that I don’t have an instant answer to an instant question. I don’t know how to answer that question though deep in my heart I have an idea.
“Ask my students,” was my only reply.
———————————-
Honestly, I don’t really know the answer. I am not in any position to say that I am a good teacher because self-evaluation is not always reliable. It is always bias. But if there is anyone who is more qualified to say if I am a good teacher… maybe you should ask my students. They are the ones who surely know the answer. They are the ones who are capable of answering that tricky question. And they are the ones who are really qualified to judge me.
Being humble doesn’t mean that you should not brag about your achievement. It’s alright to brag if you want to inspire other people of your achievements. But to brag about it to compare yourself with other people and to put shame on them is another story.
Humility is a virtue. People are given a chance to acquire it. But not all are capable.
hi ruthi
i don’t know why but most of the time, I feel uncomfortable when people compliment me. instead of saying “thank you” i’d say “hindi ah”
someone i know even told me that, i feel that way because i know deep within that i’m not deserving of the flattery
i think there is a thin line that separates humility and shyness
what do you think?
@Sterndal… well, I read somewhere that if you are uncomfortable with compliments it’s either you are “trying to be humble” or you are not “confident” of yourself. In our culture, the former is more common thinking that it is more appropriate because people might think that you are too proud or “mayabang”. But then on the other hand… accepting and being grateful for the compliment shows not only your confidence but you are asserting one of your great characteristics.
I always believe that some people in your organization put you in that position to be a teacher because they believe you can perform well in that aspect.
I wasn’t a teacher in my previous job (but I was, two jobs ago). My boss talked to me because he believed that I have all the right skills and experience to do the job. Like your situation, I was faced with evaluations that are always biased (there’s nothing perfect anyway).
Maybe your students can tell you are a good teacher, or you are not. But even if students get to tell that you’re the worst teacher they’ve ever met, you’re the only one who can change how students perceive you.
@Gem… I agree with you… evaluation is always subjective no matter what. I believe that it is also one way for the students to get even with you especially those you always scold because they are not being responsible students. Yes, I also agree that I have the power to change how my students perceive me and so far after all the pain I caused them… hahahaha… they still come to me telling me that I have influenced some of their decisions in life.
Thanks for visiting and for your wonderful insights. I appreciate it.
Yeah, the students are still learning how to live life and they aren’t ripe for picking yet.
@Gem… I believe so. I was no different when I was younger and stupid. Good thing with proper guidance from my mom… I ripen pretty good. wink*
nice blog,just dr0pping by.