How do you know you are struggling with pride? What are the symptoms of being prideful? To help you answer these questions and get rid of pride in your heart, evaluate yourself by checking out the following signs:
You think you are humbleOne of the signs that you are prideful is if you refuse to admit that you struggle with pride. Calling yourself “humble” is actually false humility.
To avoid this, stop telling yourself—or others—that you are humble. If that is true, then let others acknowledge that.
You do not accept constructive criticismsProud people have a hard time accepting failures. For this reason, they refuse to be corrected. They are offended whenever their behaviors or outputs are scrutinized.
Instead of being insulted, be thankful when others correct you because it will help you improve. Remember, you are not perfect.
You always want to be the center of attentionOne sign of being proud is when you always want attention and appreciation. You feel like you are the center of the universe so everyone should turn their eyes and ears to you.
If this is your case, then it is time to stop living in the illusion that everyone adores you. Do not think that you are more important than anyone else. Try living a low-key life.
You are vain about your physical appearanceBeing obsessed about making yourself attractive is another hint of pride creeping into you. In connection with no. 3, vanity makes you flaunt your beauty in the hope that you will be admired by everyone.
It is okay to take care of yourself, but evaluate your motive why you want to be attractive. It if is to draw attention to yourself, then maybe it is time re-orient yourself about what real beauty is.
You do not like associating with the “ordinary” or unpopularWhenever you go to an event, which kind of people do you usually want to sit with? Do you immediately look for the table where the “elite” sit around? If you think you only deserve professionals and “first-class” citizens for your friends and avoid hanging out with “low-level” people, then you are clearly prideful.
To get rid of this attitude, be equal in treating people. Make friends not according to social status, but the sincerity of individuals towards you. Associating with people who do not have any title attached to their names will not make you cheap.
You are fond of name-droppingIf you have the habit of talking about your connections with influential, rich, or powerful personalities, then you are certainly proud. Bragging about being connected with such people makes you feel entitled yourself.
The people you talk with are probably annoyed listening about your “connections” already. If you admit you struggle with this, be more conscious in controlling yourself from talking much.
You are not TeachableNot listening to someone who is trying to teach you something is another sign of pride. It is either you think you know things already or you think you know more than the person. It could also mean you consider him/her inferior to you.
Having a teachable heart is one trait of humility. Whether you seem more knowledgeable than the person trying to teach you or you actually know about the “lesson” already, make sure that you show respect by listening attentively and not trying to cut him/her off.
You do not listen to others’ advicePrideful people are also stubborn. They think they know everything already so they disregard the counsel of others. You are one of them if you just brush off the advice of your parents, some elders, or anyone else.
Renew your character by starting to listen to your parents or the mature people surrounding you. Even if you do not agree with what they say, give time to weigh your decision against their words of wisdom.
You do not like to be surpassed by anyoneConsidering others as threats to your position, fame, and success is a result of pride. Your achievements could have gotten into your head already that you think you should always be the no. 1. Thus, when you meet people who have the potential to beat your accomplishments, you consider them as rivals.