The secrets of greatness
Greatness is a journey towards a horizon of excellence and fulfillment in life. Greatness is not a destiny, but another unbridled responsibility. The road to greatness is full of thorns and the horizon susceptible to slipping. Many have fallen from grace to the pasture just because they believe that greatness is a destination they have reached.
It is said that “some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have been entrusted with greatness.” But I want to tell us that “Everyone is born great! There is greatness within us!” Those who are often called ‘born great’ are only those who had the privilege of being born into a wealthy family (The Born Rich), but that is not a guarantee of achieving greatness. Ironically, greatness has eluded many of them! That is why I say: “Everyone is born great (created with potential); everyone has been entrusted with greatness (greatness is our responsibility) but not everyone can achieve greatness (fulfill / fulfill their destiny)”
HOW THEN CAN GREATNESS BE ACHIEVED?
1. DEVELOP YOUR MIND: The achievement of greatness begins with the mind. See the greatness in you, think of the greatness in you, believe that you are great and you will achieve greatness. No wonder the Bible says, “Guide your heart with all diligence because all the affairs of life spring from it.”
2. BELIEVE IN GOD: Having developed your mind towards greatness, believe in your creator who has made you great. Of course you cannot be without Him. “He is the Author and Finisher of your greatness (destiny).” Make him your guide! Study and obey their words and you will be amazed how the thorny journey to greatness becomes smooth and easy. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding, acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your way.” Remember that “it is not of the one who wants or of the one who runs, but of God who has mercy.”
3. WORK ON YOUR DREAM: There is no greatness without a dream. Your dream is the engine of your greatness. Look within yourself, bring out those potentials or talents in yourself, and work on them. Formal education is good but friends listen to me; If you don’t have the privilege of continuing your formal education, don’t waste your precious time on it or be discouraged by it. Go to trainings and workshops that are in line with your talent to take advantage of it and develop it, that is another form of education (informal education). The Bible emphasizes that “the gift of man opens a way for him and elevates him before kings and princes.” It is not ‘a man’s qualification or certificate’, but his ‘gifts (talents / potentials)’. The great men I have met and heard of today are not all graduates. Do not be frustrated by the current economic situation or the actions of the government of this nation towards education. Work on your talents and when you surface, you will rule the world. Trust me!
4. BE CONSISTENT AND FOCUSED: Don’t chase too many things at once, “write your vision and make it clear.” It is true that you may have many talents that God blessed you with, but there is always one among them that seems predominant and serves as a center to which others are linked. Work on it and others will gradually start to notice. Avoid distractions from friends and family. Spend your time and energy on that set goal and take action.
5. DON’T BE AFRAID OF FAILING: Fear is the deadliest virus on earth. Of course, no one has been successful if they have never failed. Never be afraid of making mistakes because they are the “best motivation” you will ever need. When it fails, find out what caused it and learn from it. It was Socrates who said “the reason why I am greater than the others is because I recognize my ignorance (errors) and greater is the one who recognizes his ignorance (errors)”.
6. SEEK ADVICE FROM MENTORS: Always have a mentor or role model that you can learn from. Never stop learning; read books, attend seminars and workshops. Try to acquire new ideas, skills, and facts every day.
7. AVOID IMITATION: Greatness is born by discovering what others have not yet discovered. Even when you have been discovered, create a different and unique idea or impression from the discovery. Do not imitate anyone; your role model or whoever. Just be yourself! Take your time to think and create the unimaginable even from the imaginary.
8. AVOID THE WRONG ASSOCIATION / ENVIRONMENT: Your association can mark or spoil your fate. Avoid the company of those who cannot see anything good in you or add value to your life. I call them ‘pessimistic mouthworms’. Surround yourself with people who have something to contribute to your greatness. If the environment you are in can’t help you achieve your dreams, switch to one that can!
9. AVOID PRIDE AND BE SELFless: It is one thing to become great and another is to remain great. Pride, they say, goes before a fall. The only reason for your greatness is not to benefit yourself, but to benefit others. That’s the only secret to staying great. Avoid pride! Many people, after becoming great, forget the purpose for which God made them great. Thus, they slide from the ladder of greatness to the dungeon of “nothing”. Don’t give in or relax when you think you’ve gotten great. Providing humanitarian services is another worthy responsibility of greatness. It is the only thing that can guarantee its fulfillment and fulfillment in life. So to enjoy your greatness, add value to people’s lives, help others to realize their dreams, and your greatness becomes honorable.