Father’s Day, like Mother’s Day, can be tough for many. So instead of talking about father’s on ‘Father’s Day’, let’s focus on great men, or, rather great people ~ how to be one, how to recognize one and how to encourage greatness in those around you. Our world could use more greatness!
Now, I read a list recently, of the 100 most influential people in history. It was pretty obvious that, based on the names on the list, being influential doesn’t mean you are great. Being ‘great’ means having a positive impact on those around you while influencing others can be positive or negative (i.e. Hitler was on the influential list. And, while he did influence the world; I think we can all agree, it wasn’t a positive one).
Greatness is not a destination; it is a continuous journey that never ends.
Brian Tracy
To be a great man person is to be the best possible version of yourself. A great person is not perfect. However, a great person is willing and able to admit their mistakes and shortcomings. They know when and how to apologize, they are humble. A great person enjoys learning, both formally in a classroom and informally everyday from those around them. A great person is kind, shows effort, has integrity and does the right thing because it is the right thing to do.
To recognize a great person, watch their actions. As the old saying goes, “actions speak louder than words.” People will say many things, but what they CHOOSE TO DO (it is a choice, everyday, to be your best) tells you so much more. Another old saying, “words are cheap, you are what you do”. Observe others and look for kindness, manners and generosity; those are just some of the traits of greatness.
Mediocrity will never do. You are capable of something better.
Gordon B. Hinckley
To encourage those around you to tap into their greatness make sure you are leading by example. Be kind. Use your manners. Be generous with your time and talents. Be the best version of yourself. Ask others how you can help them ~ and listen (truly listen) to the answer. Always encourage others to live to their full potential.
You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them.
Michael Jordan
Greatness doesn’t come with a paycheck, you don’t need to be rich to be great. Kindness, manners, generosity are free to express. Knowledge is for sharing ~ don’t preach to others unless that is your job/career/occupation, but help others to make the choice for greatness. A great person is one who is needed and wanted in their communities.
Big dreams create the magic that stirs men’s souls to greatness.
Bill McCartney
Be great, recognize greatness and encourage greatness by dreaming big, look for magic and make this place better than you found it. You might not have had someone show you how to be great, but that doesn’t have to stop you from doing better and being better. You were meant for greatness, don’t get in your own way!
