Personal traits

I had lunch with someone last week who truly personified a quality that I admire – humbleness.

I was surprised by this, not only because most people simply aren’t very humble, but also because despite being young (I’m not exactly sure his age, but it was likely 24 or 25) he had actually accomplished quite a bit – founding a finance firm, raising some capital and finagling his way into a handful of really interesting late stage deals (of course his perspective was that he really hadn’t done anything yet . . . but that was just him being humble).

When I was in my mid 20’s I don’t recall being particularly humble (actually, I recall being pretty pleased with myself). I really regret this. When I think back, with all of the perspective the last 10 years have brought me, it’s amazing how naïve I was (and how loathe I was to admit it). I hope these days I have a little more balanced perspective of myself.

I meet people all the time that have it all figured out – it was refreshing last week to spend time with someone who is so self-aware.