How To Be The Greatest In Anything

It's common notion that the best people in the world are those with great talent, and are served by many. To be perceived as the greatest person in your line of work, you got to have the biggest salary, be the boss and all that... To be the best in business, a company needs to be the highest revenue-generating company with several branches on different places and all that... That's how most of us perceive success. But what does it take to be the greatest, really?

Come to think of it, the best TV reporters or TV hosts that we know of are really good public servants. They research and study their reports well, they probably meditate before they show up on TV. They understand the importance of their job and in accurately telling their story.

Have you noticed how athletes work off themselves to get that one shot at victory? Don't you get tired of  hearing from Manny Pacquiao that he fights for the fans? Yet, do you consider this to be true? I do! Later, you'll see the reason why.

As they say, there is no shortcut to success. And once you're there is not the time to stop, because you'll always have to prove yourself. Proving your self does not mean proving to other people all the time. As Stephen Covey would put it, private victory comes first before you can go and convince others. A common mistake that people make is they try to convince others so they could convince themselves... No, that's not how it works. You must first be able to convince yourself, then convincing others follow.

The Greatest Must First Become Servant Of All

Because there is one great source where I learned this lesson, I will quote about what the bible says about being the greatest. At one point, Jesus Christ heard his disciples discussing among themselves who's going to be the greatest in heaven... The Lord then said to them:

"If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."~ Mark 9:35 (see here)

From the Bible's perspective, the best or the greatest isn't the one who loves giving commands, but the one who serves everyone. Sure, the people will need a leader but not a dictator.

The Lord Jesus did not use his position (his godly nature) to take advantage of other people. Unlike many of us who love to use their money, their knowledge, their position, or their strength to mock others, the Lord served as a good example and made himself servant of all.

Greatness Without Needing Credit

We all want our work to be recognized, there's no doubt about that. However most people are accustomed to complain first before even trying to do anything. Even worse, most of us think of the credit that we're going to get first before giving value. Our efforts then are focused on thinking who will get what instead of doing great work.

It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit. ~ Harry S Truman

If your motivation is based on what other people would say to you, I will tell you now that you are bound to fail. There is a greater source of motivation and that lies in our basic principles in life. People will always disappoint, but a good principle will not. So instead, focus on helping others and doing good in what you do.

Always give it your best shot. When I play basketball, I get amazed by people who keep telling themselves that "they haven't even given their best, yet". And of course, I speak from a losing experience. Why not give every game your best? It's true, you play for fun. But isn't winning more fun?

Greatness In Helping Others

Being the servant doesn't mean you have to do the dirty job for others. It could also mean removing distractions for them so they could focus more on what they do best. Everyone in a team can be a leader if they choose to. They can drive discussions, help redirect misapplied efforts, and so on.

"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25, NIV

Being servant can also mean bringing the best out of people. You'll be surprised that some people only need someone beside them to talk to, to do their job successfully. Distractions, kept to a minimum can also have its benefits.

Go Ahead And Be Great!

What do you do then with this new found wisdom? You don't need to go too far to practice it! Look around, there's your classmate who might need help on a homework, your co-worker who might need suggestions on his work problems, a customer having a hard time to decide which meal to order.

Some people are shy to ask for help, in this case why not grab the "opportunity" to help? Do you help only those close to you? What do you gain by doing that? When you win a heart that doesn't belong to you, have you not gained more?

Let's talk, leave a comment and let's discuss your thoughts! Comment, suggest, critique, everything is welcome as long as you keep things relevant! Whatever is in your mind, write them down on the comment section below.

Photo Credit: jasonbolonski