There is little denial to the fact that life continues to grow in complexity, uncertainty and intensity.  Based on how we receive our information, it seems we have bought into the notion that we all prefer to see the strong opinions of the loud and proud standing in opposite corners in order to pick a side and fan the flames of division and difference.    

There is no doubt that we have complex challenges to address in our communities, businesses and homes.  There is no community that is always safe and secure, no business that is insulated from extinction from swift market changes, and no home-front that is guaranteed to be happily ever after.

As we continue on our journey to build and strengthen our character, there is an opportunity to reinforce a universal gateway which leads to more effective solutions and a sustainable process to address the inevitable challenges to come.

Humility is the universal gateway that leads to understanding and steady progress towards solutions.

There is no such thing as achieving humility directly.  Humility is the byproduct of a genuine attempt to listen with the intent to understand, to suspend judgment, and to approach any situation with the framework that “our” solution will be more effective than yours or mine alone.  Our initial steps on the pathway to humility starts with a healthy awareness, acknowledgment, and acceptance of our personal responsibility in prior situations where we fell short of a desired outcome.

From a foundation of humility, we remain:

1. Open to new ideas to solve complex problems. It was Albert Einstein that said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
2. Open to learn from others as we are keenly and comfortably aware of our own shortcomings.
3. Open to be influenced by others to develop a more effective solution. When we acknowledge to someone that they have positively influenced us, we build one of the strongest bonds for a healthy relationship.  We will need that strong bond as close relationships are never immune to a potential breaking point down the road.

As we look to make positive progress in our homes, the marketplace, and our communities, it will be the humble approach, not the “know it all” approach that keeps us moving forward to solutions.  As we model the way for others, we build and strengthen our character and Character Creates Opportunity to make a real difference in the complex world we live in today.