The Noel Strengths Academy defines it this way:

•  Not braggadocios 

•  Lets one’s accomplishments speak for themselves 

•  Refuses to “one-up” others in relationship 

•  Does not regard oneself as more special than one is 

•  Avoids flaunting or seeking to be the center of attention 

• Underuse: Emotional Isolation
• Overuse: Emotional Promiscuity

Key Research:

• Rank order of Modesty in populations from:
  • US : 23
  • European:  23
  • Asia: 23
  • Latin America: 24
  • Sub-Saharan Africa: 23
  • Middle east: 23

Tayyab Rashid and Afroze Anjum offer 340 Ways to Use VIA Character Strengths including these four for Modesty:

1. Resist showing off accomplishments for a week and notice the changes in your interpersonal relationships. Do people act surprised that you waited to reveal your news?
2. Notice if you speak more than others in a group situation. Concentrate on listening to the words of others rather than simply waiting for your turn to speak.
3. Compliment sincerely if you find someone is authentic and better than you in some ways. Accept compliments from others humbly.
4. Ask a trusted friend for honest feedback about your weaknesses. Think about their words at length before replying.

• Humilitas: A Lost Key to Life, Love, and Leadershipby John Dickson 

• But What If We’re Wrong?: Thinking About the Present As If It Were the Past

  by Chuck Klosterman 
• “So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love” by Cal Newport: This book explores the importance of skills and humility in achieving success and fulfillment. It discusses how modesty can be a key component of personal and professional growth
• “The Power of Modesty” by Wendy Shalit In this book, the author argues for the importance of modesty in modern society, particularly for women, and discusses its role in building self-respect and healthy relationships.
• “Modesty Matters: A Guide to Shaping a Virtuous Self” by Pam Rozelski This practical guide offers strategies for parents and educators to instill the virtue of modesty in children and young adults, and discusses the benefits of modesty in various aspects of life.
• “The Paradox of Humility and Modesty in the Workplace” by Nayab Toor While not a self-help book, this academic work examines the role of humility and modesty in professional contexts, and how these virtues can contribute to effective leadership and workplace dynamics.

Alain de Botton examines our ideas of success and failure — and questions the assumptions underlying these two judgments. Is success always earned? Is failure? He makes an eloquent, witty case to move beyond snobbery to find true pleasure in our work.

Steve Shenbaum explains how honesty, humility, and humor allow us to be the best we can be in life. Steve is considered one of the industry’s leading experts in character development, team-building, and communication training. Part of TEDxSarasota’s inaugural conference held on 12/12/12 with the theme “Creativity Matters” at the Historic Asolo Theatre in Sarasota, Florida.

In the course of their lifetime, the average millennial will take over 25,000 selfies. Quincy Mix shares how you can choose to be humble in an age all about “being yourself” in this hilarious, yet relevant, talk.

Klosterman talks about how his latest book, “But What If We’re Wrong?” in which visualizes the contemporary world as it will appear to those who’ll perceive it as the distant past. One of the most provocative, perceptive, and entertaining cultural critics of our time considers whether much of what we think we know about reality is false, why that is, and why it matters in all things including music, democracy and the internet.

Podcasts to feed your Modesty/Humility

• “In Praise of Humility” – The Ezra Klein Show Summary: Klein examines the philosophy, psychology and societal benefits of humility with guests like philosophers Michelle Leighton and Ryan Preston-Roedder. URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/18/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-michelle-leighton-ryan-preston-roedder.html
• “The Paradox of Humility in Leadership” – TED Radio Hour Summary: This episode looks at how embracing humility can actually make leaders more impactful. URL: https://www.npr.org/2022/03/11/1085944196/the-paradox-of-humility-in-leadership
• “On Humility” – Philosophize This! Summary: An exploration of the philosophy of humility through the ages from ancient to modern thinkers. URL: https://philosophizethis.libsyn.com/on-humility
• “Why Humility is Key to Success” – The Psychology Podcast Summary: Dr. Jennifer Gamber discusses humility as a driver of learning, growth and achievement. URL: https://scottbarrykaufman.com/podcast/why-humility-is-key-to-success/
• “Humility is the New Smart” – Afforded Freedom with Brett Peasley Summary: Practical strategies for cultivating authentic humility in life and work. URL: https://www.affordedfreedom.com/podcast/humility-is-the-new-smart