Why most people won’t ever achieve greatness

You are not able to become great because you are stuck in smallness. 

Anyone can achieve greatness. Anyone.

• Greatness is relative, yes. The results might look different; for some, simply quitting an addiction means greatness. For others, creating a Fortune 500 company means greatness.
• Anyone can do this. But most people won’t.
• I’m not talking about simple averages and logistics, where “obviously everyone can’t be in the top 5 percent.” That’s bull. If you take a class of 100 students, 100 students could achieve greatness.
• This is because we all have a choice, every moment of every day. In between every action and reaction, there is a space. In this moment, you choose how you will react.
• This moment is very small, sometimes small enough we don’t believe it’s there. This is where phrases like “I had no choice” or “I couldn’t help it” come from. Yes, you could. You just chose not to. Stop lying to yourself.
• More and more people are hiding behind the excuse that their behaviors, actions, and choices are out of their control. They claim the economy, Donald Trump, their boss, their landlord, the cops, societal norms, and a hundred other things control their life.
• It’s time to unlearn this prison of a belief. Not dissect it, or analyze it, or debate it.
• Just completely unlearn it.

Why is so much of the world mediocre?

• “Good is the enemy of great. And that is one of the key reasons why we have so little that becomes great. We don’t have great schools, principally because we have good schools. We don’t have great government, principally because we have good government. Few people attain great lives, in large part because it is just so easy to settle for a good life.”
• You may wonder: if 100 out of 100 people could achieve greatness, why do so few ever do?
• It’s not even that they tried and failed, either; most people never even try at all.They spend their lives without even as much as an attempt to create their masterpiece.
• Why do so few people ever achieve greatness (even when they could)?
• It’s a good question. The answer is simple:
• Because it’s easier to let someone else call the shots.
• And as long as someone else is calling the shots, greatness isn’t attainable.
• It’s scary to be the CEO of your life. It’s an enormous responsibility. It means you can’t blame other people for your problems anymore — every failure, every missed opportunity, and every failed attempt is on you.
• Most people don’t want this heavy responsibility. So they begin stacking excuses like bricks, sealing themselves inside a box of explanations and rationalizations.
• The fellow who has gone nowhere and has no plans for getting anywhere always has a bookful of reasons to explain why.
• For most people, it’s just easier to blame unchangeable external factors for their lack of success.
• It becomes extremely difficult to help people get out of this limiting mindset, too. In his book, “Choose Yourself,” James Altucher wrote: “If someone insists they need to be in prison even though the door is unlocked, then I am not going to argue. They are free to stay in prison.”

Increase your clarity to avoid settling for second-best

The journey to achieving greatness is fraught with challenges, and people may falter for various reasons:

1. Fear of Failure:

   • Fear can be a paralyzing force. The fear of failure, criticism, or not meeting expectations often prevents individuals from taking risks and pursuing their dreams.

2. Lack of Self-Belief:

   • Many people struggle with self-doubt. Without a fundamental belief in their capabilities, they may hesitate to take the necessary steps toward greatness.

3. Comfort Zone:

   • Staying within one's comfort zone feels safe, but it can hinder growth. Greatness often requires stepping into the unknown and facing discomfort, a prospect some find daunting.

4. Procrastination:

   • Putting off tasks and delaying action is a common obstacle. Procrastination can result from a lack of motivation, overwhelm, or a failure to prioritize effectively.

5. Lack of Planning:

   • Without a clear plan or goals, individuals may drift aimlessly. Lack of direction makes it difficult to measure progress and maintain the momentum needed for greatness.

6. External Validation:

   • Seeking validation from others can be a stumbling block. Relying too heavily on external opinions rather than trusting one's own vision can lead to conformity rather than innovation.

7. Resistance to Change:

   • Greatness often demands change, adaptation, and continuous learning. Those resistant to change may find it challenging to evolve and reach new heights.

8. Unrealistic Expectations:

   • Unrealistic expectations, whether self-imposed or influenced by societal pressures, can lead to frustration and disillusionment when not met.

9. Lack of Resilience:

   • Setbacks are inevitable on the path to greatness. Those who lack resilience may be discouraged by failures instead of using them as opportunities to learn and grow.

10. Distractions:

    • The modern world is full of distractions. From technology to daily responsibilities, these distractions can divert energy and focus away from the pursuit of greatness.

11. Impatience:

    • Great achievements often require time and sustained effort. Impatience can lead individuals to abandon their goals prematurely, missing out on the potential for long-term success.

Overcoming these obstacles often involves a combination of self-reflection, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Building a support network, setting realistic goals, and cultivating a positive mindset are key components on the journey to achieving greatness.

In conclusion