“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.
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.
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
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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.
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