displaying greatness is all about making things look easy. second nature. achieving greatness is often difficult. uphill. much sweat and tears expended. when your greatness is on exhibition, people are often blown away by the shock and awe value. how did he or she do such and such? while talent is often a significant portion of the equation, i would also argue that the more critical components are hard work, dedication and struggle. these days, many don’t work hard enough. they’re not as focused and singularly committed to various items on the agenda. heck, there may not be an agenda! where there is friction or adversity, many will accept results and fade into the background. where is the struggle in many peoples’ lives?
the crazy thing about hard work, dedication and struggle is that anyone can engage and come to master them. these necessary tools are not reserved for the rich, genius or other elites. nope — anyone can have them. i know what you’re thinking. why would anyone want struggle? through struggle, your backbone is formed and/or tested. greatness doesn’t come easy. others will try to take it from you once you get it. in the middle of making it look easy is the ever-present knowledge that you have been here before, struggled and outlasted the challenges. while others scramble, are unsure, are working hard (but not working smart), and a host of other sweat exercises — you stand alone. focused. simplifying. going through the motions. doing the easier of two halves between preparation and execution. struggle is what builds mettle and fortitude. i’ll take those over raw talent any day of the week.
get me? good. now go out and find something that will be a struggle for you. work hard at it until you find success. remain dedicated to the process of learning from this sort of trial. you will inspire others along the way. that alone is greatness, since so few truly inspire in our times. these experiences will serve you well for the rest of your life.
