We should all seek to possess good traits; however, too much of a good thing can lead to an imbalance. For instance, confidence is something everyone aspires to have; it allows a person to unlock his/her full potential without fear or hesitation. However, too much of it can taint people, making them blinded by their own hubris and become arrogant. Here are ways that you can do to reestablish balance and convert your arrogance back to confidence:
1. Reflect on Your Imperfections
Sometimes, may it be because of developed expertise or unfounded self-image, a person may think of himself/herself as superior to others and decide that it is all right to project such superiority through words and actions. To counteract this perception, you must reflect on your imperfections. Acknowledge that you too possess flaws like everybody else and that you cannot be perfect in everything you do. It is only when you accept this that you can start developing a more balanced image of yourself, something that will help you be more grounded.
2. Flaunt in Moderation
It is all right to flaunt and boast your abilities from time to time. After all, you worked hard to attain them, and you deserve the recognition. However, you should flaunt in moderation. Being proud of your football skills after a hard-earned victory is one thing, but rubbing them into other players’ faces every time you see them is another. You can brag from time to time; just don’t make it a habit.
3. Show More and Say Less
In filmmaking, they say that showing is a better way to convey a story than telling, and perhaps the same can be said when it comes to seeking recognition without being arrogant. If you’re good at video games, then show how good you are by beating all the high-level bosses instead of typing arrogant remarks about how unbeatable you are and how weak other players are. Not only will you not be viewed as arrogant, but you will also look way cooler when people get to see you in action!
4. Exercise Humility
Even if everybody knows that you are good at something, it is still best to stay humble. This is not to say that bragging is bad; again, we already mentioned that flaunting in moderation is acceptable. However, there are situations where being humble is preferred. In fact, being down to earth despite one’s knowledge and skills makes him/her look significantly more badass!
ALSO READ: How to be a Humble Person: 20 Ways to Get Rid of Pride
5. Accept Constructive Criticisms
A common trait among arrogant people is that they refuse to accept any negative feedback from others. Don’t be enslaved by hubris. The more you open yourself up to constructive criticisms, the more enlightened you will be about your shortcomings. Accepting such feedback will help you realize your lapses, be more open-minded, and strive to become a better person.
6. Surround Yourself with the Right People
They say that birds of the same feather flock together. Although this proverb is not an absolute truth, it applies to the development of one’s character. If you surround yourself with other arrogant people, you’ll find it hard to see your own arrogance. Hence, exert effort in acquainting yourself with non-arrogant individuals. Not only will you get more tips to get rid of your arrogance, but by being a part of their flock, you may also develop the same down to earth character they possess.
7. Learn to Concede and Apologize
Arrogant people are often drowned by their desire to win and always be the right one that they forget to see the value of confession and apology. Their arrogance sometimes blinds them to the fact that other people’s ideas are better than their own, never conceding no matter how much evidence is laid down. Moreover, their pride hinders them from saying sorry to any person they may have offended or hurt. Hence, a key step to renouncing arrogance is learning how to accept defeat and deliver a sincere apology.
8. Allow Other People to Shine
Arrogant people, due to their bloated self-perception, believe that they should always be in the center stage, constantly showing others how great and special they are. If you want to stop being arrogant, then you must occasionally step out of the limelight. Be open to sitting at the sidelines every now and then, and let others take the stage. While you’re at it, acknowledge them, and give them the praise they deserve. If you do this, then your hubris will shrink, and your character will grow!
9. Show Respect to Others
Showing respect to others is a highly effective remedy against most personality ailments, including arrogance. If you know the value of respect, then you will never slap unsolicited conceit on other people’s faces; you will be more sensitive about their feelings and situations, and you will know when you should stop asserting and start accepting. When you respect people, you’re already halfway through getting rid of arrogance.
ALSO READ: 6 Ways to be Respectful of Others
10. Don’t Make Everything a Competition
Don’t get me wrong; being competitive isn’t bad. However, if you compete in everything you do, then you develop a tendency to be arrogant—all in an effort to show others that you are better. Take it easy sometimes. Breathe. Stop comparing yourself to others and proving that you are better all the time. Doing this will help you appreciate your strengths without resorting to drastic measures that lead to rudeness and arrogance.
11. Love Yourself More
This is perhaps the most important thing that some people should do to not be arrogant. It may sound ironic, but sometimes, people use arrogance to hide their insecurity and protect their self-esteem. However, it’s all right to show vulnerability and embrace one’s imperfections. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Give yourself the love and acknowledgment you deserve. Try to be truly happy and confident about what you can do and rid yourself of that mask of arrogance.
Arrogance is not a permanent thing. We are all capable of being better individuals. So long as you are willing to accept your mistakes, listen to other people, and be steadfast toward self-improvement, you’ll most certainly become the confident, yet not overbearing, person you aspire to be.
ALSO READ: 12 Ways to Stop Being Judgmental Toward Others
