Everyone holds his fortune in his own hands, like a sculptor the raw material he will fashion into a figure. But it’s the same with that type of artistic activity as with all others: We are merely born with the capability to do it. The skill to mold the material into what we want must be learned and attentively cultivated. – Goethe
What makes someone ordinary become extraordinary? What is that separates the great from the merely good? What enables someone to become one of the great ones of their generation…a true master in their area of expertise…the greatest of all time? (GOAT)
Is it their intellect, genetics, or good looks?
Is it their charisma, leadership qualities or persuasion skills?
Some measure greatness in innovations and artistry, some measure greatness in physical strength and speed, some measure greatness in terms of financial gain and physical possessions, some measure greatness in applause and accolades, and some measure greatness in points scored, records broken and contests won.
While there’s no definitive formula or measurement for greatness, there’s also no denying that there are common traits that make great people and organizations stand apart from everyone else.
There are ways of doing things and thinking about the world that people at the top just do differently…and that is precisely what we are going to focus on in this message.
There are a lot of advantages to demonstrating greatness.
- You enjoy category domination and greater customer lifetime value.
- You raise the performance bar and influence the standard by which everyone is measured.
- You get to claim premium prices and higher profits.
- You develop a legendary reputation that opens the door to more people and greater opportunity.
- And so much more.
Allow me to isolate two of the many attributes for unleashing your greatness.
#1 – Greatness Requires Emotional Commitment
Albert Einstein beautifully stated that “Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength and soul can be a true master. For this reason mastery demands all of a person.”
The fact is…it’s an emotional quality, not an intellectual one, that separates the great from everyone else.
However, we live in a culture that tends to overemphasize intellect, of going to the best schools and of getting the right education…but greatness is far more dependent on being emotionally committed and loving what you’re doing.
Being emotionally committed to cause, problem or project enables you to go places others are afraid to go, to try things others are afraid to try, and to be the kind of person others are afraid to be.
You must engrave deeply in your mind and never forget: your emotional commitment to what you are doing will be translated into your work. If your work comes from a place deep within, its authenticity will be communicated.
#2 – Greatness Requires Self-Awareness.
The ones who are truly great by any reasonable standard, have a “presence” about them, a sense of power and conviction that transcends their current position or circumstance.
Unlike most people, the great ones know, in their heart of hearts, who they really are, why they exist and what they were born to do.
You’ll be free to pursue your highest ideal, once you discover your reason for existence.
Consider a few questions…
If you don’t know exactly who you are, how can you possibly bring your strengths to bear, and truly unleash your greatness?
If you don’t know exactly who you are, how can you possibly overcome the shortcomings, setbacks and challenges that are obvious to everyone else?
Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart for the simple reason that he who looks outside, merely dreams; but he who looks inside, awakes the giant within.
In putting together the 100 Day Challenge…I asked myself…”What is the single most powerful, most comprehensive results producing system or strategy that anyone, anywhere can deploy…and the answer to that question is to establish preeminence…to demonstrate greatness.
I’ll leave you with a few questions to contemplate and a bucket load of encouragement.
What more do you need to accomplish to become the greatest version of yourself?
What would it take to be the best in your profession?
A new week is about to unfold and with it a number of opportunities to showcase your greatness.
Do something big, bold and beautiful…and always remember…
Gary Ryan Blair
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