The sweet spot between hubris and humility. (2013)

“When the founder of Intel was asked how it felt being called the “Father of Silicon Valley” he responded, “It makes me a little proud and a little humble.” There is a sweet spot between hubris and humility that is the key to greatness.

Christopher Bergland, three-time champion of the Triple Ironman, holder of a Guinness World Record for treadmill running (153.76-miles in 24 hours): endurance athlete, coach, author.

Published March 2013 in his Psychology Today blog ‘The athlete’s way’

When Robert Noyce, the founder of Intel, was asked how he felt about being known as the “Father of Silicon Valley” he responded, “You know it makes me a little bit proud, and a little bit humble.” There is a sweet spot between hubris and humility that is the key to greatness.

(But) How many hubris-filled heroes have we seen fall from their pedestals in mythic proportions recently? Lance Armstrong embodies how astray someone can go when his or her balance between hubris and humility is out of whack.  Armstrong epitomizes how the quest for fame and glory and to win-at-all-costs will destroy you.

… Believing that you possess both the power of Atlas and are as insignificant as an Ant is a difficult paradox for the human ego to navigate, but it is the key to being extraordinary.

Read the full blog here: The sweet spot between hubris and humility