Greatness.

Related to a current work project, I’ve been pondering the question of “greatness”. For the project I’ve been researching people with greatness and I’ve found that the opinions about what greatness is differ significantly.

It’s become very apparent that we think of people as having greatness only if what they achieve is relevant to us and has reached an audience. Greatness is often used synonymously with popularity or publicity. And of course people are considered as being great because of an achievement. An achievement that is valued and acknowledged by a certain group of people. Like an invention. Like walking on the moon.

Certainly social media has been playing it’s part in launching people into greatness because of a single post or even tweet. It’s short-lived greatness, but nonetheless.

But what is this greatness really?

Personally I’ve always had a lot of admiration for the housewife in Brokstedt – or anywhere in the world really – who cooks for her family every day, takes care of them with a smile and if she’s lucky receives a ‘thank you’ from her husband and warm hug from her youngest. And although it may seem ordinary and mundane, it holds abundant greatness for me. Yes, I guess one can find greatness in patience and humility.

Regardless of popularity or achievement, greatness is also in the little things. Like getting up in the morning. It can be found in standing up against your boss. Greatness can be in loosing your job, but bouncing back and moving on. In the end we all have to find our own greatness. It is not important if others see it, just as long as you see it.

So, next time you meet him: Consider your neighbors greatness – the old man who always wears a smile and has kind word. Perhaps take the time to hear his story. Next time you watch a marathon race: Cheer for everyone. Cheer for the one who’s running in the middle of the pack. You may not know her story and she may not be first, but you know she’s fighting and she’s fighting hard.

And most of all: acknowledge your own passion and greatness.
Whatever you want it to be. See it in others and see it in yourself.