10 signs you’re dealing with an incredibly successful person (who knows how to stay humble)

Identifying a highly successful person isn’t always about flashy cars and high-power job titles. Sometimes, the most successful individuals are those who’ve mastered the art of staying humble.

This is about recognizing those rare gems – the people who’ve climbed to the top, yet never forgot their roots. They’ve learned how to balance their success with humility, and trust me, it’s not an easy feat.

How do you know if you’re in the presence of a truly successful person who knows how to stay grounded, despite their achievements?

After observing countless successful individuals and engaging in in-depth conversations about their journeys, I’ve compiled a list of 10 signs that could help you identify these rare gems.

If these traits seem familiar, you’re likely dealing with an incredibly successful person who knows how to stay humble.

1) They listen more than they speak

In any conversation, you’ll notice they’re not the ones dominating the discussion. Instead, they’re genuinely interested in what others have to say.

Why? Because successful people understand that every person they encounter holds a piece of wisdom, a unique perspective or a lesson that they can learn from.

They have realized that they don’t know everything, and they’re okay with that – it’s one of the reasons why they’re so successful. They stay humble by acknowledging their limitations and seeking knowledge from others.

So if you find someone who listens attentively, asks insightful questions and values your opinion – you might just be talking to an incredibly successful person.

2) They share credit and celebrate others’ success

Successful and humble individuals are often quick to share credit. They recognize that success is rarely a one-man show and are more than willing to highlight the contributions of others.

Whether it’s a team victory at work or a successful community project, these individuals will be the first to point out the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.

They understand that acknowledging others’ efforts not only fosters a positive environment but also builds trust and respect.

Successful and humble individuals also celebrate others’ success. They understand that success is not a zero-sum game, and someone else’s win doesn’t mean their loss.

By celebrating others, they’re not diminishing their own success. In fact, it often fuels their motivation and opens them up to new opportunities.

So, if you notice someone consistently passing on the applause and highlighting their team’s efforts, as well as celebrating others’ success, you’re likely dealing with a successful person who knows the power of humility.

3) They handle criticism gracefully

Nobody enjoys being critiqued. It’s human nature to defend ourselves, our ideas, and our work. But incredibly successful people handle criticism differently.

Instead of getting defensive or brushing it off, they listen. They sift through the feedback, no matter how harsh, and find the nuggets of truth that can help them improve.

This doesn’t mean they accept every criticism blindly. They understand that not all critiques are constructive. But they also know that being open to feedback is a pathway to growth.

So if you notice someone handling criticism with grace and openness, you’re likely interacting with an individual who’s tasted great success but has remained impressively humble.

4) They value time over money

It’s a fact that we all have the same 24 hours in a day, whether we’re a billionaire or a penniless artist. Successful people understand this more than anyone.

They view time as their most valuable asset, not money. After all, money can always be earned back, but time, once spent, is lost forever.

This understanding leads them to prioritize their time wisely. They delegate tasks, avoid unnecessary meetings, and create efficient systems – all in an effort to use their time effectively.

So if you meet someone who seems to have an almost obsessive respect for their own time (and yours), chances are you’re dealing with a highly successful individual who manages to stay grounded.

5) They’re always learning

Successful people, particularly those who’ve mastered humility, know that they don’t have all the answers. They’re aware that there’s always room for growth and new knowledge.

These individuals are constantly seeking opportunities for personal and professional development. You’ll find them reading the latest books in their field, taking up new courses, or simply seeking advice from others.

Their thirst for knowledge is not a sign of weakness or insecurity but an understanding that success is a journey, not a destination. They’re not afraid to admit they don’t know everything because they’re committed to continuous learning.

Remember, it’s their curiosity and willingness to learn that often sets them apart and contributes to their success. So next time you meet someone who’s always eager to learn something new, chances are, you’re in the presence of a successful person who knows how to stay humble.

6) They’re not afraid to show vulnerability

One might think that successful people always have it together, but the ones who stay humble aren’t afraid to embrace their humanity and show vulnerability.

These individuals aren’t scared to admit their mistakes, share their fears, or express their emotions. They understand that being vulnerable doesn’t make them weak; instead, it makes them relatable and authentic.

This authenticity not only makes them relatable, but it’s also a testament to their strength and wisdom. They know that real growth comes from acknowledging our flaws, not hiding them.

When someone is comfortable enough to show their vulnerability, it reflects their self-awareness and emotional intelligence, two key traits of successful and humble individuals.

So if you encounter someone who isn’t afraid to show their true self, warts and all, you might just be dealing with a truly successful person.

7) They remain grounded

Truly successful individuals stay grounded, maintaining a down-to-earth attitude and treating everyone with respect, regardless of their position.

Success doesn’t alter their sense of self. While they believe in their abilities, these individuals don’t display arrogance. Their confidence is rooted in competence, not superiority.

Humble individuals prioritize meaningful relationships over hierarchy. They understand that everyone has unique strengths and perspectives, and they treat others with the same level of respect, irrespective of their position.

Despite their success, these individuals remain accessible and approachable, fostering an environment where others feel comfortable engaging with them.

So if you encounter someone who remains a down-to-earth attitude and treat everyone with respect, you might very likely be in the company of a truly successful yet humble individual. 

8) They practice gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful practice, and it’s often a common thread among those who are successful and humble.

These individuals understand that they didn’t reach their success alone and hold a deep appreciation for the people and circumstances that helped them get there.

You’ll often find these individuals expressing gratitude – for big achievements, small victories, and even the setbacks that provided valuable lessons. They know how to count their blessings and don’t take their success for granted.

Their practice of gratitude is heartfelt and genuine, making them not only successful but also incredibly grounded individuals. 

So if you come across someone who regularly takes a moment to express gratitude, be it for their team, their experiences or achievements, remember that you could be in the presence of someone truly successful and humble. 

9) They lead by example

At the heart of it all, incredibly successful and humble people lead by example. They don’t just preach values; they live them. Their actions reflect their principles and they inspire others through their conduct, not just their words.

These individuals understand that true leadership is about influence, not authority. They strive to set a positive example, hoping to motivate others to reach their full potential.

So if you see someone walking the talk, leading through action rather than commands, know that you’re in the presence of a truly successful and humble individual.

10) They are generous 

Generosity is another characteristic that sets successful and humble individuals apart. They understand the value of giving back and often go out of their way to help others.

Whether through mentorship, support, or charitable endeavors, they use their success to make a positive impact on others.

I remember a time when I was struggling with a project at work, and my boss, who was incredibly busy with his own tasks, took the time to sit down with me.

He shared his insights, offered guidance, and even rolled up his sleeves to help me out. His generosity didn’t stop there. He often used his resources to support local charities and community initiatives.

His actions spoke volumes about his character. He wasn’t just successful in his career, but also in maintaining humility and showing kindness.

So when you come across someone who’s generous with their resources, it’s a good sign that they’re not just successful but also humble.

The essence of true success lies in character

When we think of success, images of wealth, fame, and power often come to mind. But these are merely the external manifestations of success, not its essence.

At the core, what truly sets successful and humble people apart is their character. True success isn’t measured by titles or bank accounts, but by their actions, values, and the positive impact they make in the world.

Truly successful people understand this deeply. They see their accomplishments not as the end goal but as milestones in their journey of constant learning and growth. They appreciate their achievements, but they don’t let them define their worth or identity.

This is why they can stay humble in the face of success. They know they’re more than their accolades and assets.

Their humility allows them to keep learning, growing, and striving for more – not out of a need to prove themselves, but from a genuine desire to better themselves and their world.

Moreover, they understand that true success is not a solitary journey. It’s about building meaningful relationships, lifting others up, and contributing positively to their communities. They know that their success is intertwined with the success of others.

As Maya Angelou once said, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”

These individuals embody this definition of success. They’re not just successful in their endeavors but also in how they conduct themselves and treat others.

So the next time you meet someone who embodies these traits, take a moment to appreciate not just their achievements but also their approach to life.

What’s beautiful about these signs is that they’re not exclusive to the wealthy or famous. Anyone can incorporate these traits into their lives and become successful in their own right.