Do you want to achieve great things?

Do you want to achieve great things?

If so, then what are you willing to risk…you will do things that others will find uncomfortable, and you will likely fail along the way, as a source of learning. Others may not appreciate your failures.

If you intend to do great things, it is likely that you will make someone unhappy in the process. It is not unusual for others to become upset with you, if you make it clear that you desire more in your life:  more success, more achievement, more wealth, more love…more life.

If you intend to do great things, you will need courage.  Doing great things requires that you do things that you have likely not done before, things that disturb you, or create anxiety.

If you intend to do great things, you will be judged. We live in a world that encourages comparison, celebrates mediocrity, and jealously disdains those who strive for excellence as somehow being “uppity”.  As Theodore Roosevelt said, “comparison is the thief of joy.”

If you intend to do great things, you will no longer be happy with average performance. Doing great things requires a mindset of excellence. But why would you strive for average anyway?

If you intend to do great things, be prepared to push yourself to your limits. Doing great things has little to do with achieving more than those around you.  Rather, it is about achieving those things that exercise you to the edges of your own unique and wonderful genius and potential.

If you intend to do great things, make sure you are willing to show up. Greatness requires the mental discipline to “show up”, a willingness to be patient, the humility and willingness to be influenced by others, and the tenacity to stay with your dreams in the face of challenges, obstacles and resistance. All of this means a big investment in your energy, time and emotional commitment.

If you intend to do great things, make sure you are willing to share the limelight, and recognize others with gratitude. Doing great things means being willing to share the effort, and share the reward.  Others will feed your dreams, make them better, and once invested, make them work.

So, do you intend to do great things?