1+1: Humbler resilience + Humility assessment

Here's one leadership idea and one resource I’ve found beneficial in the past two weeks:

1 idea: Humbler resilience 

The first 39 years of Hiram Grant’s life were a string of disappointments. A lackluster student, he only made it into college thanks to an influential family connection. Although his father was a successful entrepreneur, the over-trusting and under-discerning Hiram lost his savings many times over through failed investments. Hiram did find a fiancé, but her disapproving father dragged out the engagement for four years with the hope his daughter would find a better suitor. And after joining the Army, his small successes on the front lines were overshadowed by an alcohol addiction that ultimately led to his abrupt resignation. Humbled and broke, he reluctantly accepted a lowly job at his father’s business just to keep his growing family out of crippling poverty. Except for a strong marriage and joyful family life, Hiram’s life seemed to be a complete failure.

But then a series of providential events changed everything. Two weeks before his 39^th birthday, Confederate forces opened fire on Fort Sumter in Charleston, and the United States was propelled into the Civil War. With half of the U.S. Army now fighting for the other side, President Lincoln issued a sweeping call for volunteers. Captain Grant—who went by his middle name, Ulysses—signed up.

Haunted by his reputation as a drunkard, Grant was denied significant leadership roles early on. But fortuitously, Grant had became friends with his hometown congressman. His friend’s advocacy secured him an appointment as a brigadier general, and the formerly depressed man sprang to life.

As other generals planned and postured, Grant attacked. Merely seven months into his command, Grant won key victories for the Union that vaulted him into national celebrity. Less than two months before his 40th birthday, Ulysses S. Grant was lauded by the New York Times as the most prestigious general in the country. Seven years later, he’d be elected President of the United States.

Grant’s story inspires me because it reminds me that life is not always up and to the right. Much of our “success” in life comes down to factors beyond our control: luck, providence, the timing world events. Had Grant not befriended the congressman or had the Civil War not erupted, Grant’s name would be lost to history. In other words, the fact that you are not wildly successful (whatever that means to you) does not necessarily mean you’re doing something wrong.

Whether you are toiling in obscurity or enjoying the adulation of your peers, recognize that your true worth doesn’t come from what others think about you. Grant did not undergo a personal transformation between ages 39 and 40—he was the same human being, just a better utilized and recognized one. While his value to the country changed dramatically based on external events, his value as a human being never did.

If you are struggling to remain resilient and optimistic, lean into the four pillars of Humbler Leadership. An accurate self-perception will remind you that your worth does not come from external validation. Instead of self-pity, find a greater purpose to give yourself to. Approach life with a growth mindset, seeking ways every day you can improve. And when you’re really struggling, lean on the strengths of others until you can do the same for them, too.

Whether you are feeling more like 39-year-old Grant or the 40-year-old version, your life and leadership matter. Keep going, and keep growing.

***

• How could you shift your sense of value from extrinsic to intrinsic factors?

• Who could you better lean on during this season?

• How could you learn and grow today?

• What’s your greater purpose worth sacrificing for?

1 resource: Humility assessment

Humility is not only the foundation for good leadership—it’s a core driver of resiliency, too. See how your humility stacks up via this 12-question quiz.

PS: Even squirrels need resilience.