Greatness is your birthright. So, with that in mind, what does a GREAT life mean to you? That is one of the most important questions an adult can ask and answer. Here are some thoughts, that I learned from one of my favorite mentors…Philip Humbert. No one wants to live a life of misery, but in many ways we think it’s even more important that we refuse to live a life of boredom, repetition, or a life filled with “partly cloudy” days. Too many of us settle for safety.tv, or comfort.com, or convenience.org, instead of actually living our own unique and wonderful lives.
Oh sure, many of us dream about having great wealth, fame, power, or owning a house in a dream location, but we never seriously decide exactly what our life should look like! Rather than dream about the unlikely, why not actually create a life that is truly your own?
You all know that a great life does not happen by accident. A great life is not easy and it does not come with a diploma, a promotion, getting married (or divorced), having kids or retiring early. It cannot be inherited and it never comes packaged with the “goodies” of life. Sure, money, a penthouse apartment, political power or winning the Nobel Prize are wonderful things, but none of them will guarantee a great life.
It seems to us that a GREAT life has a grand purpose, a central theme and a unifying vision. A great life is a lifestyle that is chosen “on purpose” and is lived in the service of a vision greater than itself. A great life is living “a life of one’s own” and it is invested, not merely spent.
Robin and I are convinced that every one of us has the right to a GREAT life. You will see that, throughout our articles. Greatness is not reserved for a lucky few, for the rich or the powerful, for the artistic or for any small category of people. Greatness is the birthright of every human being, whether we express greatness in designing tall buildings, or by teaching children to stand tall.
Greatness is your birthright! Set it as your minimum standard to live a GREAT life, to make a difference and have some fun! Eventually, down the road one day, each of us must look back and assess our life, and when that time comes we want to smile, knowing we did it right. Set that as your standard, and go for it! Let us know how you are living your life of greatness.
To Your Success…
Judy and Robin
11. November 2010 at 9:47 pm
I like reading articles that reinforce my self-confidence. Thanks for posting your thoughts, especially in encouraging us to act — and not just wait for good things to happen.
Shari Weiss´s last [type] ..Here’s Mike’s HALLOWEEN POST and keyword blog lesson
15. November 2010 at 12:10 am
Hi Shari…
You are very welcome! It seems all of us need to reinforce our self-confidence, on a regular basis. I think that is why I tend to write about it so much. It must be in the back of my mind! LOL Thanks for sharing your comments with us. We truly appreciate it!
To your success, always…
Judy and Robin
11. November 2010 at 11:13 pm
Interesting topic. I agree with your statement that everyone is entitled to a great life. I have a harder time, calling myself great though. It feels inappropriate and uncomfortable. Even though it is my birthright. So, to me there is a fine line between what is your right and how much emphasis you put on it.
That does not mean that I don’t set goals and standards for myself. Of course I do, and of course I want to have an impact on others etc. So, yes I try to live a great life. But doesn’t that hold true for the majority of people?
karin@social bookmarking´s last [type] ..Unlimited traffic from Twitter even if you have no followers
15. November 2010 at 12:17 pm
It can appear to be difficult to “toot our own horn” even if it is only internally. This is something I have worked on for many years! But no matter…GREATNESS is within each of us. We can do whatever we want with it, but it is there. Goals and standards build the foundation for our lives, but true greatness is from within, and it is our’s to design as we continue to learn and grow. I don’t think greatness has a definition…it is so unique to each person. Greatness in my heart, is not what I can accomplish, or how much I can give back, or how much I can succeed. In my heart, true greatness is believing in me…when no one else does.
Your comments really make so much sense, and made me take time with my morning cup of coffee, to really think about it. Thanks so much, for taking time to share them with us.
To our success, always…
Judy
12. November 2010 at 10:38 am
Hi Robin and Judy,
What a fantastic way to look at it, set your intentions, in fact, your minimum standard to live a great life. I love that.
I did create the life I wanted to live… have a successful business, work from home, buy the house I always wanted, live where I wanted… so far so good! And there’s much more awesome greatness to come!
Hoping all your dreams come true… and also for your readers.
Deb Augur´s last [type] ..Social Media and Psychology
15. November 2010 at 12:13 am
Hi Deb…
A big congratulations for creating, and living the life you want to live. That really is what it is all about, isn’t it? For each of us, it is different, but we can ALL live the life we want, if we recognize what it is, and then have the heart to go for it. Thanks so much for stopping by, and sharing your thoughts with all of us. We can all learn from each other.
To your success, always…
Judy and Robin
12. November 2010 at 3:07 pm
Thanks so much for sharing this inspirational post!! It’s precisely what I needed after a long, hard week. I would add to your comment “Robin and I are convinced that every one of us has the right to a GREAT life. You will see that, throughout our articles.” is right on as well. It comes through in your articles. Thank you again, and keep up the great work!
15. November 2010 at 12:18 am
Hi Linnea…
Sorry you had a hard week, but hopefully our thoughts helped in a small way, to make your new week better.
You are an inspiration to us as well. You always share such nice comments with us, and we always look forward to a reply from Linnea.
To your success, always…
Judy and Robin
12. November 2010 at 10:02 pm
I love this post!! Too many of us are not living up to our potential. Why do so many people settle for mediocrity; for the safety of sameness? Every one of us has the potential to be GREAT!! Step outside of that comfort zone and you’ll feel great that you did. Be willing to do what those who settle for mediocrity won’t!!
Awesome post!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Wendy
Wendy Hewlett´s last [type] ..A Journey of Personal Growth
15. November 2010 at 12:24 am
Hi Wendy…
Thanks so much for such kind comments! Yes, so many of us, take the “easy” road, and never live up to what their life could be. But for them, it is enough, and they have no desire, for so many reasons, to ever discover that there is so much more. But then, just because I liked being an airshow performer, certainly does not mean that they would want to. LOL! But, I guess we all need to understand that one’s true happiness, can certainly take on many forms. But I am with you…why on earth, would we want to settle for sameness, when we can all be GREAT? It is interesting isn’t it?
To our success, always…
Judy and Robinb
12. November 2010 at 10:55 pm
Hi Judy,
It’s true that anybody can be great and enjoy doing it. Doing things for other people is a great thing to do. Thanks for the nice post Judy.
Rick
Rick Salas´s last [type] ..Social Site Strategies – Which Social Media Marketing Plan Is The best For You
15. November 2010 at 12:53 am
Hi Rick…
That is indeed, the amazing thing about being great. It is different for each of us, and doing for others can be so rewarding for some of us. Glad you enjoyed our post, and we look forward to hearing how you are doing…being and living “great”!
To your success, always…
Judy and Robin
12. November 2010 at 11:18 pm
Robin and Judy:
Everyone has greatness within them. I think the biggest lie people are ever told is that they are not good enough. Everyone has areas of greatness and areas where they do not shine so brightly. Look at Albert Einstein. He had great problems in school because he lacked focus.
Everyone can find their greatness and then build on that. Thanks for a great post and reminder.
Live with passion and purpose,
Vanessa
15. November 2010 at 12:01 pm
Hi Vanessa…
We could not agree with you more! You are so right that we are told we are not good enough, so many times. Sometimes not in actual words, but in reaction. We CAN find our greatness in us…whatever that may be. It is different for each of us, but we ALL have it. Great point you brought up, about Albert Einstein. Greatness beyond what the “normal” person could not recognize! But it was there, to be discovered along with all his many achievements! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!
To your success, always…
Judy and Robin
13. November 2010 at 9:21 am
It sounds like you are using something similar to Maslow’s self-actualization concept to describe having a great life. But whereas you state that having a great life is everyone’s birthright, Maslow’s research indicated only a few ever attain self-actualization. And life is not really progressive anyway, as it seems Maslow saw it, in the sense that one increasingly moves through the stages of met needs until one has found purpose in life (Frankl, Maslow, others). Stuff happens that upsets the apple cart. Frankl talks about those that had their purpose and a great life until they found themselves in a concentration camp. They must either find new, or perhaps deeper, purpose or they won’t make it. Come to think of it, a “great life” is a bit subjective since I can think of people with a clear purpose and unifying vision (religious or political, for example) who do not appear to have much of a “great” life to me or others. Just some thoughts to spark further discussion! Thanks for the thought provoking article.
Richard´s last [type] ..The Facebook Ads Controversy Collaboration – An Alternate View
16. November 2010 at 8:44 am
Richard,
Maslow made a great point; Very few ever attain what we are talking about here but it has nothing to do with their circumstances. We believe that very few ever make a decision to be great. We think more people should realize that they are wired for greatness. We think more people should decide to be great wherever they currently are. As you said, stuff happens. We’ve both had our apple carts upset a time or two. It goes back to the concept that what’s important isn’t what happens to you in life, it’s how you respond to what happens.
Each of us can wake up tomorrow and make a decision to be great that day. How we define ‘great’ is our choice. We can be a great business person, a great parent, a great spouse. How great do you want to be? Greatness isn’t measured by material things. It isn’t defined by people around us.
Sadly, so many people choose to be “average,” just doing enough to make it through the day. They never tap into their talents and abilities in a significant way. They teach their children that doing the minimal amount is good enough. Imagine all of the greatness that is wasted, all the potential that is lost when we settle for just making it through one day after another.
We were all born with the capacity to be more than we are, to do more than we do. We all have the seeds of greatness within. We’re challenging more people to recognize those gifts and step up and discover what their life could really be like.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts……
Judy and Robin
13. November 2010 at 9:59 am
Very powerful positive message. I totally agree a lot of people settle, and usually in the beginning that is the easier route. Everyone needs to just take a step outside of their comfort zone.
Jeremiah M. Wean´s last [type] ..USDA Home With A Pool
15. November 2010 at 1:05 am
Hi Jeremiah…
Yes, it can be simply taking a step outside of our comfort zone. But for many, that is not an easy decision, and in fact, it is not something they would do. Life and happiness can mean many things, but for me, it means not always taking the “easy” route. Although, the older I get, the easier it becomes to think outside the box, and really focus on what it means to be happy. Some say age brings a certain contentment. Maybe we reach a point, where we have made our decisions, right or wrong, and we reach a point, where we are happy with the results. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. We look forward to hearing from you again.
To your success, always…
Judy and Robin
13. November 2010 at 4:41 pm
Robin, We all have the right to achieve greatness. You’re right that many of us focus too much on the unattainable…not the realistic. If we set our minds on realistic goals, we can and will achieve them.
15. November 2010 at 11:56 am
Hi Gary…
It is so true, that we all have the right to achieve greatness. Goals are different for everyone, and what we “see” as greatness varies as well. But, there is greatness in each and every one of us! Thanks for taking time to share your thoughts with us. We truly appreciate it.
To your success..
Judy and Robin
13. November 2010 at 7:59 pm
Judy and Robin
Every once in awhile I have the pleasure of reading a blog post that makes me think, and this is one of them.
Everyone has greatness in them, we just need to find it.
Peter
Peter Fuller MBA´s last [type] ..Long Term Unemployed on 60 Minutes – Are you feeling desperate
15. November 2010 at 11:53 am
HI Peter…
What a nice compliment! Thank you so much for letting us know that you enjoyed the article, and you are so right…EVERYONE has greatness in them…they just need to find it! Thanks for stopping by, and sharing your thoughts with us.
To your success, always…
Judy and Robin
16. November 2010 at 9:44 pm
Hi Judy & Robin,
Great post!! Unfortunately I’ve lived 40 years thinking I wasn’t worthy of greatness. But I am dreaming again and have a vision and not stopping until I get there. Too many people to settle for the safe, comfortable and convenient life when they can have so much more! Keep the great articles coming!
To your continued success,
Trish
Trish Kirby´s last [type] ..The Master Mind By Brian Tracy
22. November 2010 at 10:52 am
Hi Trish…
Bravo for you! We are proud of you, because you ARE dreaming again! Good for you. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with us, and our readers. You are right, so many people settle for less. How sad is that. But, not some of us…some of us, continue to strive for better, no matter what it is. It is different for each of us, but it sure makes our world a better place, don’t you think?
To your success, always…
Judy and Robin
18. November 2010 at 12:17 am
Everyday is an opportunity to discover our own greatness. Somehow though, many don’t realize this gift bestowed upon us. It’s sad how our early conditioning has blinded us from seeing our true capacities.
Walter´s last [type] ..Magic and the perception of impossibility
22. November 2010 at 10:57 am
Hi Walter…
Indeed, it is sad that so many overlook their greatness. But, fortunately, there are more and more people like you, that see the true possibilities in themselves. We refuse to be blinded by our past experiences, and live for the moment, and the future. Greatness is all around us, if we just recognize it. Thanks so much Walter, for stopping by, and sharing your thoughts with us. We truly appreciate it.
To your success, always…
Judy and Robin
20. November 2010 at 5:03 pm
Great post! I totally agree, that a great life is a life that has MEANING! And that meaning may change over different periods or stages. My daughter is in her final year of high school, and one important meaning/focus of my life will be changing radically soon. It’s an opportunity to refocus and create even more meaning to my life.
Thanks,
Adam
Dr. Adam Sheck´s last [type] ..Relationship Tip- Don’t Talk So Much!
22. November 2010 at 11:01 am
Hi Dr. Sheck…
Meaning is such a different thing to different people, and that is why we love life so much. It can change at any given moment. Yes, your life will take on a whole new meaning, and different paths to follow, after your daughter graduates. And, just think of the possibilities for her now! Oh, my, but her life will take on such new meanings as well. It is such a gift, that no one can take away our greatness, and we look forward to seeing how your life changes. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with us. We really enjoy hearing from you!
To your success, always…
Judy and Robin
21. November 2010 at 2:12 am
Ordinary, simple and plan make for meaningful moments, fond memories and a GREAT life.
Thanks for the great thoughts. We each are always seeking to better our lives. I love the idea of each of us having gold and garbage. I can see each of us shine because of the light we carry. That must just be a reflection of the gold in you and me.
Thanks.
Teach Jim´s last [type] ..Happiness- Pass it on in Random Acts of Kindness
22. November 2010 at 11:07 am
Thanks so much for your comments, and stopping by our blog. Oh, yes, life has such meaningful moments. Some of them, are perhaps not what we were expecting or wanting, but meaningful, just the same. We love your comment… “Each of us shine because of the light we carry… that must just be a reflection of the gold in you”! That is such an eye opening statement, and one everyone should take to heart. Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us! By the way, could we borrow it occasionally? It would make a PERFECT signature line!
7. May 2011 at 11:19 am
Hey Judy and Robin,
Thanks for sharing this wonderful article illustrating that we are all born with greatness inside us, I couldn’t agree more.
I can’t think of any other industry that is accessible to the general masses that teaches this mindset so well.
I have been marketing online and offline for years and it wasn’t until I embraced this mindset and education from my primary business that I started to really see things turn for the better.
“Greatness starts at the beginning of all life. It is through society that we choose to suppress that greatness within ourselves. Time then to stand apart and unleash the power in which we were born to express.” – Kevin DeRoo
Again, thanks for sharing,
Kevin
Kevin DeRoo´s last [type] ..Embrace The Power Within
18. May 2011 at 10:48 pm
Thanks for your great post.
It can helps me to gain my self-confidence more in my life and know how to forgive other mistakes
van025´s last [type] ..Making Your Own Computer Wallpaper