Project Greatness

by Donny Davidson

“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total; of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.”—Robert Kennedy.

          On May 25th, 1961 President John F. Kennedy set the path of one great nation for the following eight years. With the vision of few, but the effort of many, greatness was achieved at a scale with few comparable historical events. The words of former President Kennedy inspire us to take advantage of our moment in time to aspire and make long lasting changes. While J.F.K had the political influence to make changes at macro levels, we as citizens have similar powers of influence at micro levels. We can prompt change in our society, organization, and in the environment if we choose to do so; with passion and determination we can move institutional and individual mountains.

          The vision of this paper is to inspire—to inspire you to achieve greatness. We’re all capable of doing great things and of accomplishing that which we aspire to be. As you sift through this essay, keep at the forefront of your mind things you have maybe already accomplished and those tasks and objectives which still lie ahead of you. Question yourself - What is stopping me from reaching my full potential and turning my dreams into reality?

“If we cannot see the possibility of greatness, how can we dream it?”—Lee Strasberg

          The vision of man has been limited to an individualistic scale. In a time when our focus reaches just as far as our daily desire, we achieve precisely the grandeur of our individual thoughts. This holds more than just metaphorical importance; studies have shown that, on a sense level, the first place that we block out information is with our eyes. Some will do this by becoming nearsighted, by living in an ongoing state of blur. Others will close off their peripheral vision and will, in that way, close off the immensity of the world. Still others will develop macular degeneration as a method by which they can refuse to see what is right in front of their eyes (Grossman 55).

          By blocking out this information, we demonstrate the capability of our minds to truly shape our realities. We refuse to see that which is too hurtful, too stressful, or too difficult to safely deal with the world. We need to strive for acuity—to see with clarity, no with understanding. It is our responsibility to see and realize the possibility of greatness. When we see it, we will move toward it, without fear.

“Greatness is a road leading towards the unknown.”—Charles de Gaulle

          You likely have been there at a crossroad contemplating your goals, perhaps the direction or meaning of your life. Like many, maybe you became overwhelmed with anxiety of the uncertainties of decisions pending. Unfortunately, the paralyzing manifestations of anxiety and fear often result in the sacrifice of potentially fulfilling relationships, careers, and other meaningful experiences. 

          Scholars emphasize that it is the familiarity and predictability of the status quo alongside the potential for change that generates fear when making decisions (Samuelson & Zeckhauser; Kelly & Kelley 115-118). The comfort of these factors, often leave people shackled to the fear of the unknown. Of course, careful considerations of your options are necessary; whenever possible we should take into consideration the consequences of our actions to avoid undue and unwanted outcomes. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that uncertainties and unexpected factors that influence the outcomes of our decisions are always present. Thus, confidence in your ability to succeed and to achieve is the key.

          Have the uncertainties of possible outcomes from your choices held you back from taking a leap of faith? Maybe it is time to reconsider those decisions you have placed on hold. Consider that fear often magnifies the negative; therefore taking a different perspective will alter your reality. So why not schedule your dream job interview or start that book you have dreamed of writing? Set aside your insecurities, anxieties, and move in the direction toward your goals and that which is unknown will slowly become apparent.


Remember three things:

• Paralyzing fear leads to inaction that limits our capabilities to self-actualize. 
• What you fear in the unknown is likely less than the value for potential gains. 
• If the unveiled unknown is indeed a dark and scary place, you can do as my GPS does and recalculate! 

“I failed my way to success.”—Thomas Edison

          Thomas Edison’s perspective on how he succeeded is one to be admired. How often do we become self-critical over our mistakes? How often have we felt ashamed of our imperfection? Are you also guilty of overly zealous self-expectations? I would not be surprised if you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions. In today’s individualistic, success-driven society, we tend to glorify perfection and demonize the vulnerabilities of humanity. People relentlessly focus on the shortcomings of others, and this perpetuates much fear and anxiety.

          This fear and angst related to failure leads to shame, a sense of unworthiness. “Shame functions as a warning signal to indicate the threat of social exclusion” (Elison & Partrige 19). So we tend to avoid making embarrassing, awkward or incorrect actions. This all makes sense, but how can we adjust and limit our fear?  Whereas there may be certain individuals that need in-depth psychotherapeutic intervention to unravel the complexities of their fear of failure, I propose that a change in perspective of the term “failure” would be a good starting place.

          The word “failure” carries a negative connotation and thus we naturally fear it. If I fail, I must not be good enough, we think. Or, what will others think of me? I offer up, however, the Edison perspective for your consideration. What if failing to achieve your goals were opportunities for self-reflection and reconfiguration; that attempting to reach your goals is in itself a success—a stepping-stone to your goal?

          I challenge you relinquish your hold of critical, negative self-talk and accept that success may be a process rather than a one-day effort. Meditate on the many extraordinary men and women who have overcome incredible feats and have accomplished great things. I say that the only TRUE failure is not trying.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't—you’re right.”—Henry Ford

          More often than not, the reason for inaction is linked to whether or not you believe you can achieve your dream. Even if you don’t fear failure itself, if you don’t believe you can succeed you’re unlikely to try. Your capabilities are limited only by what you think you can or can’t do.

          In the Journal of Organizational Excellence, Robert Gandossy and Marc Effron consulted with CEOs from some of the Top Companies in the world. They found that risk-taking is actually less risky than not. People have no idea how much capacity they have until they are challenged to higher standards, and they get there (17). Stepping out of your comfort zone provides you with the opportunity to grow, to develop in areas that you need it most. If you continue to do the same thing, over and over again, you’re likely going to be very good at it; but you’re limiting yourself on what you can achieve. I think Maslow said it best, “One's only rival is one's own potentialities. One's only failure is failing to live up to one's own possibilities. In this sense, every man can be a king.”

          Thus, perspective is everything. If you walk around with dark colored lenses, and your perspective is doom and gloom, this will likely inhibit your day-to-day interactions, how you are perceived and what you can accomplish. On the other hand, if you can take an optimistic approach, one that allows you to view yourself as a capable, competent, and confident individual, you will begin to realize you have the power to influence the world around you through your actions.

“If you would only recognize that life is hard, things would be so much easier for you.”—Louis D. Brandeis

          If I only had a nickel for every time I’ve said and heard how life is hard and unfair. The truth is, as most of us experience, life is difficult and it carries with it both the wondrous pleasantries and the tribulations of human existence. There are those of us who get stuck in a place of desperation and disillusionment. Wishing and hoping that things will change, but we fail to take the wheel and steer towards a better place. And maybe you are there today. If you are, I challenge as I have throughout this essay, to take control over your life and its direction.

          This might mean, if you are a spiritual person, you may want to re-commit yourself to your higher power and seek re-direction and meaning to your life. If you are not, maybe it means going back to the basics and rediscovering who you are and what you want out of life. Ask yourself… In a perfect world, who would I be? In a perfect world, where would I be? Who would I be surrounded by?

“The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking.”—Albert Einstein

          Greatness is more than achievements—it’s an attitude, a way of thinking. Each of us is capable of it. It’s just a matter of believing it. From Helen Keller to Albert Einstein, exceptional individuals have pushed their limits to the edge of history. They have synthesized new ideas, unimaginable accomplishments, and even rewritten the laws of science—the laws of what is, not isn’t, possible.

          In the course of this post, I’ve asked a lot of questions. I’ve asked you to critically analyze who you are and what you want out of life. I’ve challenged you to reconsider your perspective on life and your capabilities as a worthy and beautiful being. I’ve shared with you the various reasons people lack progress in their lives, such as the fear of failure or change. I’ve also discussed with you that life is hard but also beautiful and that attitude and motivation are key factors in achieving greatness. 

          While I do not know you personally, I believe that as fellow being on this planet, in this galaxy, in our vast and mysterious universe, that you are fully equipped and ready to move and face whatever challenge lies ahead. I believe that you are awesome and amazingly made; you are perfectly imperfect.

          We’ve traveled across time and space visiting some of the most accomplished individuals in history. We’ve faced our fears through logic and research of what we truly can achieve. And we’ve seen evidence of others getting exactly where we want to be. All of this is more than just anecdotal evidence; it’s proof that we’re capable of so much more than just our day-to-day existences. But to go beyond our current existence requires action. You have to take that first step; no one else can do it for you. So I guess there is only one question left for us to answer… have I inspired you?

Sources Below

“Albert Einstein.” BrainyQuote.com. Xplore Inc, 2012. Web. 28 November 2012.

“Charles de Gaulle.” BrainyQuote.com. Xplore Inc, 2012. Web. 28 November 2012.

“Charles Simmons.” BrainyQuote.com. Xplore Inc, 2012. Web. 28 November 2012.

Ellison, Jeff, Partridge, Julie A. "Relationships Between Shame-Coping, Fear Of Failure, And Perfectionism In College Athletes." Journal Of Sport Behavior 35.1 (2012): 19. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 1 December 2012.

Gandossy, Robert, and Marc Effron. "Pay Attention To Subtlety: The Little Things Are The Big Things." Journal Of Organizational Excellence 24.1 (2004): 13-20. Business Source Complete.  Web. 1 December 2012.

Grossman, Marc. "What Is Greater Vision?." Lilipoh 13.54 (2008): 55-60. Alt HealthWatch. Web. 1 December 2012.

Kelley, Tom, and David Kelley. "Reclaim Your Creative Confidence." Harvard Business Review 90.12 (2012): 115-118. Business Source Complete. Web. 1 December 2012.

 “Lee Strasberg.” BrainyQuote.com. Xplore Inc, 2012. Web. 28 November 2012.

“Robert Kennedy.” BrainyQuote.com. Xplore Inc, 2012. Web. 28 November 2012.

Samuelson, William, and Zeckhauser Richard. "Status Quo Bias In Decision Making." Journal Of Risk & Uncertainty 1.1 (1988): 7-59. Business Source Complete. Web. 1 December 2012.

“Thomas Edison.” InspirationFeed.com. Web. 28 November 2012.

 “William Shakespeare.” BrainyQuote.com. Xplore Inc, 2012. Web. 28 November 2012.

iKnow by Donny Davidson

      

     I remember gripping the metal bars of that waiting room chair, where the masses sat radiating appropriate levels of fear in anticipation of innovation.  They stared longingly at the glaring screens of their hand-held devices, almost as if they were saying goodbye.  We all knew we were there for the same procedure, “Internet Implantation (i.i),” Google’s newest invention.  No longer would we sit aimlessly and unproductively at our computers; with instant access to the Internet, at a single thought or verbal command, we could be as efficient and effective as possible.  “Imagine the possibilities,” they said. 

     I will tell you what I did not imagine.  I never imagined I would be sitting here, in this cold and vacant library, with my nose held up to the spine of a tattered book, taking in the smells of ink, paper, and the distant memory of people who wondered.  Please, do not misunderstand there have been countless accomplishments over these last 10 years.  However, there are conflicting debates circulating the realm of scholars of the benefits and costs of the i.i era.   Tonight, I have nostalgically chosen to write in pen and paper in this lonely library in reflection of the good, the bad, and the ugly of today’s digital world.

The Good

     For so long we held to the idea of artificial intelligence (A.I.), a Jetsonian-like robotic future.  But we out-did ourselves, surpassing machines and lifting men to new heights.  We replaced portions of our mind with A.I. technology, allowing our mind to access the Internet much like our ancient computer systems.  This, researchers said, enabled us to use other parts of our brains differently maximizing our mental capacity and ability.  Most were all convinced that this was the necessary step towards the ultimate technological advancement with neither time nor knowledge being barriers to our human progression. 

     Just yesterday morning I woke up to the 7:00AM CNN news flash, as programmed the night before, behind closed eye-lids waking me from my moments of stillness. The report informed that additional findings have led to further curative methods in the cancer epidemics that had been progressively sweeping the nation since the early twentieth century.  It is now 2030, and I have no fears of suffering from Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or cancer. 

     Our once declining climate had reached a crisis point, and now we have reached a place of homeostasis among our earth and its habitants.  Shortly after i.i, sustainability advocates initiated massive movement towards awareness and action through mental mapping, an i.i feature that connects like interests and ideas should you choose to participate.  Widely believed, this type of collective and easy access of pooled knowledge is the cause of such rapid advancements in the environmental, science, and medical fields.   It is the gatherings of global minds that have allowed for brilliant solutions to our most frequent and draining dilemmas.

     Aside the ability to connect with ideas and information is the efficiency of our new mental condition.  We sit in our vehicles, stand in our showers, and lay in our beds while simultaneously sending and receiving data that serves our deepest motivations, desires, and interests.  True, it was an adjustment at first, but after time one learns to manage and sift through this constant flow of information.

      
     Three decades ago, when Google first launched their self-driving vehicles and Google Glasses, we were shocked that the future had arrived.  Many questioned the practicalities and need for such products, many of these questions stemming from the fear of what else innovation might bring.   A few have chosen to remain free from i.i; we call them the “Wonderers.”  They rebel against technology as if we’re trying to replace human will and spirit rather than enhance it.  Yes, I sit here with my criticisms, which will soon be made apparent, but the outcomes of our progression are undeniable.

The Bad

     I become nostalgic when reminiscing on the moments of curiosity I once had, when I asked friends, families, and mentors questions about life or academics.  We rarely have time to communicate.  People are generally working quietly on their own ambitions, connecting through social media after a directive thought.  I remember the awkward moments I experienced as a child when my mother would lean over and talk to the stranger about her day as we waited for the cashier to scan our products.  Today, we are oblivious to one another, consumed with our own agendas leaving little time for anything else.  Curious that the very thing we aimed to do was to connect, yet it has been years since I have experienced a friendly glance or moment of human connection. 

     I overheard a neighbor scolding her son as he stared into the distance, no doubt drowning out her voice with tunes.  Her anger was palpable, she directed him to get inside and start his homework, highlighting that homework downloads are prohibited.  The problem with our students is grave.  Dropout rates have almost tripled in size since 2012 and parents are at a loss.  How does a parent emphasize education when all information is accessible at the blink of an eye?  I try hard to imagine an adolescent experience where information is at my fingertips and the role of adults shifted from educators and guardians to obstacles in my access to information and fun. 

     I have speculated that many of these dropped-out, digitally-driven youth are then forced into very limited career choices; the choice between the path of good and evil computer programmers.  Good being those who seek to improve innovative applications of the Internet or the evil who wish to hack and enter into malicious doings.  The hackers hide in the shadows looking for weaknesses in programming and hijack the hard work of others just to fill their depleted sense of self-worth.  They prove nothing other than inability to respect the time and space of others.  They waste their own intelligence to provoke irritation, knowing they could otherwise use their knowledge of the Internet for much more productive purposes.

The Ugly

     Are we addicts, addicts of information and instant gratification?  Back in 2012, I remember there being talks about “Internet Addictions” being added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.  I have often contemplated having the procedure removed, but I have seen what that looks like.  Joe, an ex-coworker had it removed and now he paces back and forth anxiously mumbling to himself as if he is tweaking, searching for that hit of endless information.   He now talks of government conspiracies and that this i.i move was a way for the government to tap into our brains and have the ultimate surveillance system. “They know your every move, every thought,” he says. 

     Divorce is bad these days.  Constance, my wife, is gone.  She met some man on a virtual dating space. Divorce proceedings have not been finalized but I predict that is only days away.  Divorce rates seem to have stayed the same, but studies are reflecting that this is because less people are entering marriage.  Most of the men who attend my online-support group place the blame on their Internet and porn addiction.  I would be remiss not to add this in my analysis of our current digital dilemma.  The pornography is a plague; a multi-trillion dollar industry that feeds off the lust and longings of men and women and care nothing for the decay of true intimacy.  The virtual girlfriends, dates, and escapes this provides are alluring and many fall victim to these temptations. 

     I don’t know. What if Joe is right and this i.i movement is marketed in ways to hide the government’s true intentions of invading privacy and a means of social control?  Crime statistics have decreased and streets seem quiet these days.  But I cannot help but wonder how the government and military are using i.i.  White-collar crimes continue to increase, however. 

The Reward

     My hand grows tired, muscles stiff from the intensity from which I grasp this pen.  For days I will have my writer’s souvenir – this bump, a reminder of what it feels like to sit with my thoughts; the intimate connection between mind and hand.

     I hope that we continue to unlock the potential of great minds.  I hope that we continue to break down the barriers of progression for human kind. And that the vast amount of resources available continues to provide ways for even more people to surpass the minds of our predecessors. 

     Alas, I am done.  I must be going home now to my dog, Faulkner, who thankfully sits unscathed from our technological world.  I will leave this paper here, on this neglected desk in hopes of another wonderer at heart to find and enjoy these ramblings of nothing… and everything.

Works Cited

[Google’s executive staff in a self-driving car]. Photograph. Google. Google Inc., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2012.

[Google’s Project Glass]. Photograph. Google. Google Inc., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2012.

"Intersect." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.  23 Sept. 2012. Web. 21 Oct. 2012.

hussain1. "Writer's Desk." Photograph. deviantART. deviantART, 15 Jun. 2008. Web. 21 Oct. 2012.