Start your year with humility and power!
If we are ever tempted to think we are great because of our education, title, appearance or social status, we should remember that we are in fact, frail, vulnerable, prone to error, channeling wicked thoughts and in other ways, imperfect.
On the other hand, if we are tempted to think that we cannot live a life of greatness, due to our frailty, vulnerabilities, errors, wicked thoughts and other imperfections, we should remember that if we were perfect, we could never achieve greatness, for then, all our accomplishments would be routine.
Human greatness happens only when imperfect people transcend their frailty, feebleness and failures, to achieve excellence anyway!
Do you have greatness on your mind? If so, get up, go and make greatness happen in the upcoming year—no excuses.
QUESTION:
Was everyone born to achieve greatness—including average and below-average persons?
Given the right circumstances anyone can achieve greatness. Unfortunately, not everyone was born to the right circumstances, but as you’ve said, the hallmark of greatness to to achieve meaningful goals despite this.
PS: A BRILLIANT New Year to you and yours also…
The piece reveals that everyone is imperfect. However, our mindset determines how excellent we are in endeavors. Even though we all have different circumstances, we have a purpose to be fulfilled; we can achieve greatness. Unfortunately, given the circumstances, some persons have to put more effort towards being great. Nevertheless, greatness is achievable. As social workers, it’s important that we understand how different people’s situations are. This will help us to understand why they do certain things and think a specific way.
I do believe that everyone was born to achieve greatness. God calls us gifts, he calls us peculiar, he made us all in his likeness and in his image and I believe that no matter who you are and what your circumstances are, you are capable of greatness because there is always something there that each person can do. Rain falls on everyone’s roof. Meaning we all have struggles some may seem bigger than others but everyone has challenges and I do believe we are all capable of being great and overcoming all situations as God has made us to be a great nation.
Reflecting on this message, I believe that greatness isn’t reserved for solely for those who appear exceptional by conventional standards. Rather, it’s a potential inherent in every individual, regardless of perceived limitations or shortcomings. While it’s easy to be swayed by societal notions of success tied to education, title, or appearance, true greatness emerges when we acknowledge our imperfections and strive for excellence anyway. It’s about embracing our humanity – frailties, vulnerabilities, and all – and channeling them into positive action. Whether considered average or below – average by external measures, each person holds the capacity to transcend their limitations and make a meaningful impact in their own unique way. Greatness isn’t about meeting a predetermined standard; it’s about courageously embracing our flaws and striving to contribute positively to the world around us.
The notion of achieving greatness is not limited to a select few based on their education, title, appearance, or social status. Rather, it’s about recognizing the inherent potential within each individual, regardless of perceived shortcomings or imperfections. While it’s true that everyone is prone to frailty, vulnerability, errors, and imperfections, these factors do not preclude anyone from striving for greatness. I I believe that greatness often emerges when we try to overcome our limitations and pursue excellence despite the flaws. The pursuit of greatness is not exclusive to those who may be considered above-average; it is a journey open to all who are willing to rise above their circumstances, embrace their imperfections, and strive for excellence in their own unique way.
I believe greatness can manifest in various forms, and everyone has the capacity to make significant contributions or impact in their own spheres of influence, regardless of societal labels like “average” or “below-average.”
I do not believe everyone was born for greatness, as evident as reality is of this sentiment, if everyone was supposed to be successful, how would the persons that have succeeded off the less fortune be successful. This is not to sound selfish but their has to be some level of balance, some people were just meant to live an eventful life, some were born to have freedom, some were born to live average or above the average. What matters most than greatness is the ability to survive and to be able to afford your basic needs.
Hi Jevane, your position here raises some deep questions. Are you prepared to address them?
1) Is your response a deliberate effort to express a philosophy of Determinism as reflected in Calvinism or the Sunni Islamic religion, or just a belief you happen to have?
2) Are you aware of how much permission/legitimacy that belief provides for oppressive systems such as colonialism, elitism and classism?
3. How do you define greatness in such a way that it excludes/sidesteps the lowest of the social classes, who through deep desire, transcend their given life status and rise a couple of rungs on the ladder of influence and success? And to which of these humans would you more likely ascribe greatness — the millionaire-born uptowner who grows up to run a successful multinational company, or the poor, fatherless and disenfranchised who grows up to raise an honorable family of great virtue, educational accomplishments and professional success?
Was everyone born to achieve greatness—including average and below-average persons? Yes everyone is born with greatness. I believe that everyone is born with the ability to be great and achieve great things. I do believe that it is a matter of personal responsibility for the person to tap into their own greatness despite the circumstances that they have been given.
I believe that success and greatness are intertwined with each other and is more about an individual’s perception or belief. Society often measures greatness by external achievements or material wealth, but sometimes true fulfillment or greatness stem from an individual’s internal sense of purpose, fulfillment, and self-worth. So yes, I believe that greatness is achievable for everyone whether one is deemed average or below-average every individual possesses the potential to embody greatness in their own unique way.
Every individual has the potential to achieve greatness, although the definition of greatness may vary. While some associate it with remarkable accomplishments, others see it as making a positive impact, even on a smaller scale. Therefore, regardless of perceived ability or social standing, everyone possesses unique strengths and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to their surroundings. By embracing their potential and striving to make a difference, individuals can cultivate greatness in their own way.
I believe everyone can achieve greatness. Some may take a little longer that others based off the hand they were dealt but it’s in everyone’s reach. Some persons just give up along the way and don’t believe that it is reachable. some persons loose hope before even trying and others fail and are unable to try again. But our circumstances determine our will power to fight and push through in order to achieve what was set out for us.
I believe that everyone is born for greatness, but it all comes down to who achieves their greatness. Unfortunately, not everyone will.
It doesn’t matter about someone’s appearance, rank, degree, or title, in my opinion everyone can be great. Although the definition of greatness varies from person to person, greatness is much more than those factors. It is true that everyone has the capacity to excel in their own unique manner. People encounter various challenges in their lives, but it is consoling to know that they can develop their abilities with the correct assistance and support network. People are great because we are all designed for something distinct. Since no two people on the planet live exactly alike, it proves that we are all capable of achieving different things.