How to Overcome Pride
Own up to your mistakes., Lose the defensiveness., Practice mindfulness.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Own up to your mistakes.
If you are a prideful person, you may have trouble admitting when you’re wrong.
In a way, everyone has some difficulty taking ownership for mistakes.
You might deny responsibility because the act of “being wrong” doesn’t align with your self-concept.
But admitting you’re wrong is not a weakness—it’s simply a part of being human.Learn to admit the mistake, and apologize/rectify when you’re wrong.
Simply say, “I apologize; that was my mistake.” Doing so will help you retain relationships and may even benefit your personal growth. -
Step 2: Lose the defensiveness.
In a way, excessive pride places you on shaky ground because you’re always fearful of losing favor or status.
Because of this instability, you might be quick to defend.
Defensiveness makes you appear inflexible and insecure.
It also shuts down the lines of communication.
Instead of jumping to defensiveness, pause.
Don’t follow your instincts, which are to defend.
Take a few deep breaths.
Agree—to a degree—by saying “Yes, and…” This is preferable to “Yes, but,” which comes off as defensive.
Then, try to work with the other person to brainstorm an effective solution that doesn’t jeopardize the relationship.Do you best to develop a curious attitude and to take in others’ points of view.
Work on accepting criticism as a learning experience.
Taking things personally makes it difficult to reflect and improve. , Mindfulness allows you to slow down and connect with the present moment.
It brings awareness to your thoughts and can help you notice your prideful thoughts and reactions.
Start a mindfulness practice to notice and eventually accept those parts of yourself.You can activate mindfulness during times when your pride is in control.
For example, you feel threatened by a coworker who is doing outstanding work.
You might slow down and tune into your thoughts and feelings.
Remember that you don't have to see others' success as a threat.
Think of ways you can learn from the person instead.
It can help to celebrate the success of others. -
Step 3: Practice mindfulness.
Detailed Guide
If you are a prideful person, you may have trouble admitting when you’re wrong.
In a way, everyone has some difficulty taking ownership for mistakes.
You might deny responsibility because the act of “being wrong” doesn’t align with your self-concept.
But admitting you’re wrong is not a weakness—it’s simply a part of being human.Learn to admit the mistake, and apologize/rectify when you’re wrong.
Simply say, “I apologize; that was my mistake.” Doing so will help you retain relationships and may even benefit your personal growth.
In a way, excessive pride places you on shaky ground because you’re always fearful of losing favor or status.
Because of this instability, you might be quick to defend.
Defensiveness makes you appear inflexible and insecure.
It also shuts down the lines of communication.
Instead of jumping to defensiveness, pause.
Don’t follow your instincts, which are to defend.
Take a few deep breaths.
Agree—to a degree—by saying “Yes, and…” This is preferable to “Yes, but,” which comes off as defensive.
Then, try to work with the other person to brainstorm an effective solution that doesn’t jeopardize the relationship.Do you best to develop a curious attitude and to take in others’ points of view.
Work on accepting criticism as a learning experience.
Taking things personally makes it difficult to reflect and improve. , Mindfulness allows you to slow down and connect with the present moment.
It brings awareness to your thoughts and can help you notice your prideful thoughts and reactions.
Start a mindfulness practice to notice and eventually accept those parts of yourself.You can activate mindfulness during times when your pride is in control.
For example, you feel threatened by a coworker who is doing outstanding work.
You might slow down and tune into your thoughts and feelings.
Remember that you don't have to see others' success as a threat.
Think of ways you can learn from the person instead.
It can help to celebrate the success of others.
About the Author
Alexis Evans
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow lifestyle tutorials.
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