by Shelondra Peavey
Dreamers, thinkers, believers, doers – all of these are the types of people who are likely to achieve greatness at some point or another in their lives. Pursuit, perseverance, determination, endurance, intense focus, and a sense of purpose – all of these are the types of attributes that aid those people in their achievement thereof.
It’s been said that some people are born great, while others vigorously pursue greatness and eventually attain it. On the other hand, there is an unsubstantial group of people who’ve had the fortunate experience of having greatness thrust upon them. Yet, whatever the case may be – greatness comes with associated costs. Greatness is both costly and priceless. It’s costly, because it may mean that you might become ostracized, alienated, misunderstood, ridiculed, and heavily opposed along the way to becoming great. However, greatness is also priceless, because once it’s acquired, if a man were to offer all of his wealth to buy it from you, that wouldn’t even come close to being enough.
The weight of this matter can only be accurately assessed when we understand the true definition of greatness. Greatness means unusually better than most, exceptional, extraordinary, above and beyond normal, exceedingly good, outstanding.
Suppose someone has given a marvelous gift to you and it’s concealed inside of a box. If it’s never removed from the package, it wouldn’t matter at all how wonderful the gift is. That said, try to imagine what it would be like if the gift of greatness is hidden inside of you. If it’s never revealed or if it’s never utilized, then suddenly this wonderful gift becomes good-for-nothing. Therefore, perhaps the first step to achieving greatness is to “get out of the box.” It’s virtually impossible for greatness and mediocrity to simultaneously dwell in the same heart.
Thus, once you’ve set your sights on greatness, don’t be content with “the norm” and don’t settle for being ordinary. By the same token, always remember that greatness is not measured by education, tangible possessions, or socio-economic status. Instead, these are merely optional tools and stepping stones on the road to greatness.
Remind yourself that Harriet Tubman did not have a Bachelor’s degree, and Martin Luther King, Jr. didn’t live in a mansion. In like manner, even Jesus was born in an outdoor hay-filled manger, and He later rode into town on a donkey, as opposed to a splendid horse-driven chariot.
Likewise, greatness is not determined by all of the finer things that a person has received in this world. On the contrary, greatness is determined by all that a person has offered to this world in order to make it a finer place.
In conclusion, never forget that the pursuit of greatness requires continual wholehearted effort.
So, think. Dream. Believe. Persevere. Endure. Be determined. Focus intensely. Consider greatness as your ultimate purpose. Do it. Be great!
