There is much talk today about greatness. We observe the pro athelete or the Oscar winning actress and proclaim greatness. Most of the praise lands on skills and performance. I read an interview with Will Smith where he stated that his talent was slightly above-average, but his work ethic was off the charts. How refreshing a perspective.
As you look at your work and life does any of the output reflect greatness? If you’re quick to say no because you’re not famous or financially well-off, you would be wrong. For example, Mother Teressa would be a failure in the eyes of some, since she wasn’t full of earthly goods. It’s all relative to the story (you life) you’ve been given to live out. Be of good cheer and take the weight off you shoulders. Greatness is applicable to everyone.
But first there are some tests.
Mr. Greatness (my term) wants to know if you truly are committed to the greatness you express on your lips. It makes total sense when you consider how our culture tosses words around as if their made of pixie dust.
So consider the following tests:
- When you’ve been asked to do something outside your comfort zone, did you do it?
- When asked what you think by someone with more power than you, did you say what you really thought?
- When you had a choice between money and another human being (see the DNA here), did you choose the person?
- When your customer would have been better suited with a product you didn’t offer, did you part ways for their benefit or did you try to change their mind?
- When someone asked you to follow a vision that made no sense, but felt compelling in your very core, did you move forward?
Obviously, there could be more questions Mr. Greatness might ask. But I think you get the picture. Greatness is a way of life that doesn’t come easy. The great thing is Mr. Greatness wants to be your friend. But he won’t force himself on you, the choice is all yours.