What does it mean to be humble?

Since evaluating my strengths according to StrengthsFinder 2.0, I have a new perspective when it comes to defining humility in my life.  The definition for most people may not seem like a big deal, but for me it has been a challenge for much of my life and I think I may be starting to better understand the reason.

Three of my top five strengths are Achiever, Significance, and Competition. Having any one of those strengths without the other two would cause you to struggle with humility, but when all three are representatives of your personality, then everything you've ever been taught as a kid related to humility becomes an enormous burden.

Growing up, I was not humble by most people's definition. I was always out to win and achieve things with significant impact. As humility was preached to me - "let others win", I pulled back on my strengths. I've noticed in recent years, I've not excelled at the level I am capable of because my perception of humility has been fed to me as a weakness.

I would have been better served to understand the difference in my humility and others' envy.  By no means am I under any illusion that I walk around causing people to become green with envy with my unimaginable talents.  I understand my place next to giants. I am at awe of those who do things well and better than myself.  That's humility, and it's my choice as to whether I'll be envious too. Pride and boastfulness is their choice.

Humility is not about experiencing what is less. It's about honoring what is more.