Do you really want to be great at something? If crickets filled that space in your mind, then chances are you may live dangerously close to the camp of complacency. If not, get excited and read on…

We were born to greatness, however, most people never discover greatness because they are working off (a) their own wrong definition, (b) someone else’s definition, or (c) they simply lack the critical characteristics that facilitate it.

Understanding the Pursuit of Greatness

1. Get a good definition. To achieve greatness merely means you have mastery over something—in essence, you’ve become “great” at something. When you examine your opportunity and your talents, don’t measure them against someone else’s ability, but rather, against your potential. Simply, be the best “you” that you can be. You can never be someone else. Understand the difference between being viewed as great (recognition) and grasping a great skill or aptitude at something (achievement).
2. Don’t worry about who you know or how you got there. Rather, be concerned with what you are doing now with where you find yourself. Too many leaders end up using past circumstances to justify present poor performance or failure. Stagnation and regret can keep a leader from growing.
3. Learn how to serve others. The path to greatness comes not because of how you are recognized publicly. We have been wrongly taught that “the greatest deserve the most recognition.” Greatness really is in your ability to influence the most people or serve one person greater than anyone else. Serving is hard because true serving is selfless. It is not motivated by “what I will get because of what I am doing.” It is also not motivated by appearance. Too many people serve to get recognition. A great leader learns to master the temptation to pursue recognition. Rather, true greatness is found in the motivation that considers others before considering yourself. True greatness never comes through demanding respect, but rather earned respect that is freely given.
4. Become a master of what you do and what you know. Becoming a master means being a life-long student. The best “masters” constantly learn and engage their mind in the development process of whatever skill, talent or ability they have mastery in. Too often, leaders reach a point in their development process where someone else validates their ability or they hit a level they perceive to be mastery and they simply—turn off. Don’t turn off, check out, or tune out. Stay engaged, fresh, and rested in the learning and developing process.
5. Don’t purse greatness, purse excellence. Don’t pursue perfection, rather purse excellence. There are always variances, accidents, and good intentions gone wrong. In short, mistakes are always going to be made. Focusing on the details and the disciplined approach to a fully committed work ethic are keys to pursing excellence. Leading with excellence while serving others can yield some incredible results.
6. Temper your unseen expectations. Be careful how far ahead you allow your mind to roam. Your mind can lead you where your body, opportunity or ability will never allow you. I am not saying to shelve your dreams, but don’t become a slave to a dream that in turn warps reality. Tempering is best done through trusted counsel and true personal assessment.

Jesus was asked once who would be the greatest in his kingdom. He responded by directing his followers attention to a little child stating that “the first shall be last and the last shall be first” (Matthew 18). Greatness is best achieved by humbling ourselves, serving others, and seeking mastery over things, not recognition from people.