Motivation Monday: May 18, 2020

“If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.” – Napoleon Hill

I feel that many of us expect great things of ourselves in order to have a sense of fulfillment. For some, it may be getting a degree from an ivy league school, a big promotion, or becoming a celebrity, for others it could be finding a cure for cancer, ending poverty, or winning a Nobel Prize. Each of these things means a something different to everyone, and it’s in no way wrong to want or strive for these things. It’s good to have goals, and if these are yours, I give you major kudos for working hard and following your dreams.

I’ve always felt that greatness doesn’t need to be a reflection of the money, titles, or popularity one has. Being great and doing great is so much more than that and I refuse to believe otherwise.

I’m confident that I will not find a cure for cancer or win a Nobel Prize, and that’s okay. To me, as long as I do my best in whatever it is I’m doing, big or small, I can be proud. And if I can make someone else’s life better or easier by going above and beyond what is expected of me, that’s when I know doing a small thing in a great way for another. That makes me feel great, too.

Work toward your goals and set out to accomplish what makes your life feel good and fulfilling, but don’t feel that doing great has to be big. Like Hill says, small things can be done in a great way, which can be just as powerful and meaningful to someone as the “big” stuff.

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This week’s practice