The Arrogance Inception
Arrogance is unattractive in most people. If we are trying
to be our best selves, whether for spiritual reasons or otherwise, arrogance needs
to be decreased or omitted.
Again, we do well to explore the underlying cause of negative
feelings and behaviors to improve them. I propose that often arrogance has its roots in insecurity. Yep, an arrogant person
may actually not feel all that great about themselves or certain aspects of
their lives.
When we are feeling insecure or lacking confidence, we tend
to do one of two things. We retreat or we act in an unattractive way; such as through
arrogance.
We see and we act arrogant in conversation and behavior when
we feel the need to prove something to someone or to a group of people. Those
insecurities we have that hurt and nag at us become inflamed and we have to act.
We let everyone in that moment know how smart, talented, strong, or
accomplished we are through boastful words and actions. And somehow we feel
better until someone tells us we are egotistical or (for those with the gift of
accountability) until we do a self-check on our behavior and feel some regret
for the prideful expression.
So here’s the formula:
Fear or Hurt à Insecurity à Anxiety à Arrogance
Repeat
Or not…
We can improve on any character traits that need work or correction.
Acknowledging arrogant behaviors and then exploring the hurt, fear, and the way
the resulting anxiety feels can lead to changes in our hearts as well as our
actions. This leads us to another formula, one that can take a lot of work:
Acknowledge à Exploration à
Accountability à Enhancement
Acknowledging our negative feelings and behaviors as well as
exploring them (why we have them and where they come from) is uncomfortable.
But the unpleasant reactions or avoidance from others because of our arrogance
is often more uncomfortable.
With taking accountability for arrogance, then what we know
about ourselves has a platform and a space for change.
That change then leads to wisdom and a stronger character (enhancement).
See Ether 12:27 in the Book of Mormon.
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