Who we really are is reflected when we are at our top and hitting our bottom. "Two things define you. Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything. This aphorism by Imam Ali Ibn Abi Tabib is so true that it could possibly be the martial artist's credo.
Every great martial art and every great religion teaches us that we must be humble and to show humility regardless if things are going bad or good. This equanimous mindset is what budo strives for.
Probably the hardest things to do is be patient and kind when things are not going well and kind and humble when they are.