"Tengo que mantenerme humilde, tengo que mantenerme con los pies en la tierra."

Staying humble and grounded is about remembering your roots and acknowledging that no matter how much success you achieve, you’re still just like everyone else. It's about not letting ego or pride take over and always being aware of your limitations and flaws.

Think about this in a historical context. Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time, was known for his confidence and self-praise. However, despite his public persona, those who knew him well often spoke of his humility and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His grounded nature off the ring made him not just a champion in sports but also in humanity.

Now, imagine a scenario in the workplace. There’s Sarah, a software developer in a bustling tech company. A few years back, she was just another fresh graduate struggling to make her mark. After a couple of years of hard work, Sarah led her team to develop an app that became a huge success. Now, she’s the talk of the company. She gets praised in meetings, and her achievements are highlighted in company newsletters. It’s easy for her to start thinking she’s better than her colleagues, to let her head float in the clouds. But Sarah remembers where she started. She continues to help her teammates, asks for feedback, and takes on tasks that others might consider beneath her. Her humility not only earns her respect but also encourages a collaborative, supportive work culture.

So, how do you apply this to your own life? Start by recognizing that success is often the result of collective effort. Even if you’re at the forefront, remember the team behind you. Keep in mind that learning never stops. There’s always something new to learn, and sometimes the best lessons come from the most unexpected places—like a junior colleague or even a mistake you made. Practice gratitude daily. Acknowledge the contributions of those around you and express appreciation. This helps you stay grounded and reminds you of the bigger picture.

Here's a little story to drive the point home. Picture this: John, a renowned chef, grew up in a small town where he spent his weekends helping his grandmother in her tiny kitchen. Fast forward 20 years, John owns a famous restaurant in the heart of the city. Critics rave about his culinary genius, and he’s even been on TV a couple of times. Despite all this, John still visits his hometown every few months. He cooks with his grandmother, shares stories with old friends, and even donates his time to teach cooking classes at the local community center. One day, a reporter asks him why he does this. John smiles and says, “It’s simple. I remember where I came from. These people and these experiences made me who I am.”

This story shows that staying humble and grounded isn’t just about acknowledging others—it's about staying true to yourself and your journey. It’s about keeping your feet firmly on the ground, no matter how high you soar. So, the next time you achieve something great, think about the support you had, the hard work you put in, and the people who helped you along the way. Remember, humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.