Greatness Is There

The path to greatness doesn't begin with greatness any more than it ends there. As life is all about the journey, so too is greatness! Sometimes it's difficult to recognize; other times, it's right there within reach and just 1 more step beyond where you stand! Don't give up! Keep moving forward in thought and action! Greatness may not always immediately be found right there, but it may just be a step, a thought, an action away. It's available to us all!

Taking Measure - Refining Greatness

There's no greater aptitude for success than desire, determination and commitment – combined…these forces create passion!

Passion backed by purpose, is the substance of greatness!

Life is an experiential collision that affords us opportunities to demonstrate our measure of greatness - or - challenge us to refine those factors that define its source! Either way, the opportunity is there...not as a construct of "luck", but as an intersection in time where life expects our absolute best!

Each time we offer our absolute best, that's when "greatness is where you are!"

Earning Greatness

Greatness requires passion
Greatness requires willingness
Greatness requires reason
Greatness requires commitment
Greatness requires determination
Greatness requires perseverance
Greatness requires optimism
Greatness requires leadership

Greatness requires convincing
Greatness requires love
Greatness requires conversation
Greatness requires selflessness
Greatness requires development
Greatness requires focus

Greatness requires inspiration
Greatness requires ability
Greatness requires courage
Greatness requires boldness
Greatness requires character
Greatness requires challenge
Greatness requires accountability

Greatness requires the best version of YOU before Greatness is where you are!

Speaking of Greatness

Greatness - call it into existence! Believe that you "can" and it shall be so! Greatness can begin with a single thought!
Here's the powerful truth about that...thoughts are things - they emit a frequency in your life (think about The Law of Attraction) and thereby begin to create the world around you. Harness this for your own expectation(s) to be your best self as well as inspiring others! Think about inspiring someone [today] that you care about. What can you do/say to encourage that person?
Think it!
Speak it!
Create it!
What you say to others has the power to inspire, enrich, improve, influence!
The words you speak can take root in the lives of others and provide a profound influence in what happens "next"! Your "next" and theirs! What you create in thoughts will manifest in your words and will “show up” in life! Build the world around you by speaking greatness into YOUR life and the lives of others! Keep GREATNESS where you as you align your thoughts with great intention!

Ask Yourself, "Why Not"

Why?
Asking "why" is the beginning of creative thought. Thought that fuels. Thought that inspires. Thought that engages persistent effort and commitment.

Why not?
Asking "why not" oftentimes leads to innovation; new ways of thought and new ideas that promote change.
- paraphrased from Breakthrough Thinking: Brainstorming for Inspiration and Ideas
Book by Nick Souter

Only in nature does greatness just 'show up'. For greatness to "be where you are" in life, we must recognize the inherent responsibility we have in being accountable.

Greatness must be in process long before it defines outcome. For that to occur, we first must understand the reason for our commitment to anything. Moreover, it's important to recognize that there is a direct correlation between intention and determination. The origin of one (intention) multiplies the impact of the other (determination). Greatness is truly available to those who call upon it, but only in direct proportion to the effort one is willing to exert in the process. As we begin to understand "why", we catch a glimpse at "what" is possible! "Why" will uncover intention and thereby guide effort. Purpose and passion begin to emerge and new opportunities present themselves. Without knowing "why", effort is simply a distraction away from purpose.

Greatness manifests only when effort and desire settle upon the heart of one who is willing to answer the call. Effort is a catalyst. Effort is the only difference between those who succeed and those who fall short - the difference between average and great! So, why not...? Why not expect greatness? Why not, as Nick Souter suggests, elicits innovation? Average is the answer for those who cannot answer "why". Average is the boring bi-product of comfort. Comfort breeds ordinary. Comfort creates stagnation. If greatness is the goal, we must begin to ask ourselves "why not". Why not expect a better outcome? Why not be open to new ideas? Why not try a different way of doing something? Why not push through and keep trying? Why not focus on "what you want" rather than "what's getting in the way of what you want"? If we continue to do what we've always done, we may continue to get what we always got. In the process of asking ourselves "why not", we begin to learn that the question is more about "why not me"? As we bring change into focus, we change our effort (process) - GREAT changes (as greatness must be in process long before it defines outcome) everything. Effort reflects determination just as powerfully as intention fuels drive.

Peter Drucker, "ask yourself, What should my contribution be?"

Disrupting Average

There cannot be compromise. Effort is the only thing that will perpetuate success. In the process, power and influence will offer their favor to those committed to shaping excellence! Unlike anything else, power & influence will disrupt "average" to create extraordinary. When exercised from a place of good intentions - where values and integrity are not compromised and there's a genuine desire to make something better - extraordinary will make it's mark, defining greatness. In the process, one may find it likely to be creating the best version of one's self; a self that is both distinct and unique, taking on the very qualities that define the outcome. Great moments are born from people who maintain a higher expectation and command more than average effort. They command thoughts and actions toward something better - believing that something better is possible...that something meaningful is within reach!
Claim the moment; be absolutely committed to demonstrating your best and striving for something higher! Persistence will give rise to opportunity; opportunity will foster effort; effort will produce meaningful outcomes. It's within reach and many times, it's one step beyond the point where failure seemed imminent. There's a story waiting to be written! A story that average will never tell.

Viscosity of Greatness

You cannot fake it and you certainly can't break it.
There is no way to just take it and it can't be fabricated.

There's no use in wishing for it
and luck wouldn't help you score it.

Not by happenstance nor lack of intent,
it would not show up if you were absent.

It cannot mark a moment on its own,
it was meant for you to be shown.

There is a purpose and it can always begin again,
there’s a message and it's yours through the end.

It inspires from within
and knows the difference between half-hearted and genuine.

Sometimes it's not there until you begin
it may only show up when you're "all in"!

Invigorating and contagious,
it's not uncommon that it may present itself through stages.

It has the power to change the day
just by belief and what you say!

It's true that it may go undiscovered
but continues to whisper to us all until uncovered!

It can recognize itself in another's voice
and it hears when you call upon it by choice!

It's more true that it won't always instantly win,
but persistence is its mark, so go begin!

Your words activate the process and actions manifest,
make time today to endeavor and bring your best!

You may not succeed right from the start,
but get back up and know your heart!

The viscosity of rigor and attitude will pull you through,
stay the course and always be true, be YOU!

You will recognize it when you see
that it's meant for you, you'll be - - GREATNESS!

Greatness Enjoys Company

"Vision over visibility" - Bono of U2.

True and through, this is a very powerful and influential perspective! One that will serve to elevate and improve as powerfully as it will bring change and engage greatness! This takes effort and these efforts bring transformation and harmonize with purpose to propel one to that place where vision was once simply that - a vision. Visibility will always be the storyline for perspective; but consistent effort toward a desired outcome will render greater influence for change. It's in this space where greatness takes root. Greatness enjoys company just as much as effort will require commitment. With greatness, we have the opportunity to make something better while elevating others. Who are you surrounding yourself with? Better yet, who [or what] are you surrounding? - after all, greatness is where YOU are!

Take Measure - It Matters

What is this moment asking of you? It's certainly not asking of you to - just be average! This moment, like all of life, is asking you to be the absolute best version of YOU that you can be! What does that look like? It's a measure that each one of us must be accountable for. It's one in which we feel our power and influence creating meaningful moments. We're not here to make mediocre our benchmark! We are here to harness an energy that moves through time within a space where only greatness can describe the transcendence of passion and purpose. Greatness is trusting in the moment. Trusting that although there may be an unexplained element that seemingly exists outside of our control, our efforts conspire with persistence to render all that is favorable and true.

Shaping a Moment for Influence

excerpt from The Motivation Manifesto: "today's thoughts and actions become our legacy."

Let us always remember that our thoughts and efforts toward today's responsibilities will indeed shape our defining moments of influence and outcomes for tomorrow. Greatness is a choice we define in any given moment - when we introduce our intention thereupon best effort, we leave our legacy in the authenticity of a moment whose generosity is forever captured in a measure marked by date and time.

A Poem for Greatness

If it were not within us then how would we know,
that strength, the might, the effort toward greatness, that we all can show?

It must be true that in every one of whom there is that defining quality of greatness,
we recognize because there is that something of relatedness.

For within those beliefs and experiences that brought one there,
it was in the effort and expectation we may hold for compare.

If we recognize this and know it to be true,
than observe it's within the breadth through which we also strew.

Some will take measure and others will not heed the call,
but extend hope and work toward great, it's available to all.

Take hold and believe that here within,
there is a meaning at work to where greatness has no end.

Continue efforts that inspire and transcend,
collect these measures through the hand that you lend.

For it is with much great work that we must never grow faint,
live with courage, determination and faith to claim your fate.

For in the parting ways of the somewhat average tendencies we may hold dear,
we must exert our force and passion toward that which our purpose has been made clear!

The Fabric of Greatness

It's not a feeling that gets you there - that place where many aspire to be, but few engage in the work necessary to arrive. Greatness emerges from a relentless behavior that embraces the daily discipline of a commitment built from faith, courage and persistence! Greatness is therefore, a spectacular manifestation of an attitude developed by opportune behaviors woven into a daily process central to moral purpose. There is no compromise! Greatness will not take measure with average nor will it exist aside mediocrity. Only greatness bestows greatness; that's why GREATNESS is more of a process than it will ever be an outcome; but it will only ever be an outcome if the processes upon which it is built are woven deeply into the fabric of the necessary attitudes and activities that called upon it!

Starting with Greatness

Starting with greatness is much more powerful than expecting an end result that is great! Oftentimes people are disappointed with an outcome that doesn't qualify for GREAT because they started with effort that was "average". Usually, when you begin the process with GREATNESS, you get there! One of the most powerful influencers for greatness is the process of beginning [first and foremost] in your mind! If you set out to do great things, you will almost assuredly arrive there! It's a process - a purposeful pursuit that takes passion and persistence!

Greatness Manifest

Advancing forward with continued enthusiasm takes a genuine hunger for risk, vulnerability and purpose. At the forefront of our efforts there is the ever-present element of risk. That risk emanates from "what if" and "why". The tally of "what if' possibilities can be paralyzing; but it's the desire for something better that perpetuates effort and encourages one to stay the course substantiates the "why". Through this process, there will be moments of vulnerability. You will have to take a stand for something and this will require a voice. Let that voice be guided by faith, tenacity, discipline, courage and commitment as these things will be tested and ultimately tried true. As these things take form, purpose begins to surface. Therefore, strive to define a meaningful intent where effort is consistently aligned with integrity...this will bring GREATNESS manifest.

Destination Greatness

Greatness! It isn't just an outcome, it's a thought process. To arrive at greatness, one must first imagine that it is possible. We are capable of producing great outcomes by way of first imaging them and seeing them in our mind. Vision over visability - a reminder that thoughts and outcomes do collide; for if you can think it, than it can be so. Hold true to that calling you hear within. Trust that inkling that suggests "it is possible - it can happen." Believe in the vision and remain true to get through!

Struggle or Strive? Survive or Thrive?

From "Struggle to Survive" to "Strive and Thrive" We've all heard "the struggle is real" and it's easy to connect with this catchy phrase because to some extend, life has presented all of us with some type of "struggle". All of us have overcome things in our lives that were difficult; moreover, we've seen others struggle and/or go through some challenging times. It's a natural part of life and it's even expected. In fact, we've all connected with some form of the notion that 'anything worth having isn't easy'. There are hundreds of reminders that keep our thinking at the same level. What I would like to suggest is that we purposefully and intentionally elevate our thinking. It's the only way to start achieving more - if not, how prepared are you to continue getting the same results? It takes daily commitment, practice, trust(and great faith) to elevate our thinking and believe that greater things are possible! If we agree that "the struggle is real" and we simply commit to this notion, we will constantly continue to execute at this level. Outcomes will marginally reflect successes that align with failing short of something greater. Why not begin to think BIGGER? If we can elevate our thoughts then it's possible (not guaranteed) that greater outcomes are likely. Sure, there will be disappointments; but how is that any different than how things are currently. Take the time today to commit to something greater! Believe YOU 'can' because YOU deserve better! Instead of thinking about how we must struggle to survive, begin to elevate your thoughts to focus on how we can strive to thrive, TODAY!

Packing Positive

Get your thoughts right to get greatness flowing! What's the message you're telling yourself? Is it inspiring or conspiring (against you and your efforts)! Many times, we have to check in and be intentional with our thoughts! Any thoughts that feel defeating need to be recognized for what they are and replaced with two positive ways of thinking. Oftentimes, we build more negative thoughts right on top of the negative one. It's easy to think about all the bad things that could potentially happen just from that one thought. Instead, see it as an opportunity to work in some positive, problem-solving techniques and grow from there! Being proactive, optimistic and positive isn't easier - but it does help more people (including yourself)!

Discovering Greatness

Being exceptional starts with giving your best. In all things, those moments that end up mattering the most, are those moments you met with determination and vigor. When you set out to accomplish anything, honor the potential of greatness destined to be born by staying committed to those moments in time. You were called into that space [that moment] wherein, an awakening composes harmony between time and creation. Inside any moment is a defining quality of discovery. This moment needs you because you were called into that space; bring your passion and unlock the great things meant for you to create!

Calling Upon Greatness

There's not enough time to wait for motivation to show up; oftentimes we must simply begin. In creating meaningful moments that matter, there are times we must simply engage in an activity even though we may lack the motivation to do so. Motivation cannot be a prerequisite, it is oftentimes a bi-product of a process where one has become one with the moment. A moment that was always waiting to be claimed. When one rises up and "shows up" in any moment, with determination and passion, the full measure of that moment is captured with all the intent and richness we were always meant to create. It's as if, that moment was never not going to become our memory - OR - an enriching part of another's repertoire. When we are called into a moment, what we make of it is entirely up to us. Take your greatness to that moment. Take your passion into the moment. When passion and preparation meet any moment where good intentions combine with purpose, you are inviting greatness. Greatness is where you are!