Leaders like you should aim for Greatness. There are three important things you need to know:
1. No one begins at Great. You get there by getting through Mediocre.
Mediocrity is abundant. It’s the bulk of what we produce. It’s why we value great work, lasting work, true art, jaw-dropping performance. We don’t share stories about mediocre, average, ho-hum stuff.
You get to Great by not settling for less, not quitting. It’s a product of self-discipline over weeks, months, and years. Work on your craft.
Winston Churchill had great advice for people going through hell: “Don’t stop, keep going.” That same message works for getting to Greatness.
2. Your greatness is specific to you.
You probably don’t yet know how your greatness will be judged. It’s actually unlikely that millions of people will know you, your work, your legacy. You probably won’t be world-famous. (Don’t aim to be infamous, either.)
Seek your calling, be obedient to God, and work hard. Commit yourself to the life which is, in the wonderful phrase from Eugene Peterson, “A long obedience in the same direction.”
Your calling. Not the other guy’s calling. Yours.
3. You’ll be misunderstood by some people occasionally and by everyone some of the time.
Settle this as a fact in your heart, come to terms with it, and keep moving forward. Communicate your heart and your thoughts with others. Work to heal relationships if you’ve damaged them. But, don’t expect everyone to understand your path, at least not all the time. This will keep you from being derailed in your adventures as you fulfill your calling as a leader.
I hope these help you as a leader. Which of these three is easiest and which is hardest for you to grip?
