The Greatness Guide, Book 2: 101 More Insights to Get You to World Class (12 page)

One of the core organizing principles of my life is that success is the result of a delicate balance between making things happen and letting things happen. Yes, we have the responsibility to set our goals and realize our potential and play at our very best. We need to do our part. Good things definitely unfold for people who are devoted to doing great things. But I suggest we also need to show a gentle commitment to letting things unfold. In other words, do your best—then let life do the rest.

Life will always lead you to a place that’s better (even when it may not seem like it). I’ve learned it is important to let life lead you (not an easy lesson to get—I know; still working on that one myself). If you’ve tried everything possible to realize an outcome and it just hasn’t worked out as planned, stop trying so hard. Relax. Maybe nothing’s wrong. Maybe the timing’s not right. Maybe what you wanted wasn’t in your best interests. Maybe while one door seems to be closing, another is actually opening. And often, once you let go of what you thought was best, space is created for something even better to arrive. Because every ending ushers in a brand-new beginning.

I believe it’s important to remember that when you know better, you can do better. With higher levels of awareness, you can make smarter choices. And the more clarity you get as to who you want to become, the more quickly you can start making the choices needed to get you there. Clarity really does offer a framework for more intelligent decision-making (and we become our decisions).

Here’s a simple tool for you: the Mirror Test. Look into the mirror and ask yourself the following question: “What one thing could I do today that if I did it, my professional and personal life would get to its NLG: Next Level of Greatness?” Then think about that one thing. Reflect on executing that step superbly. And go out and do it. Act with courage. Now. Remember, small daily improvements lead over time to stunning results.

Okay, this one might challenge, provoke and even irritate you a bit (if so, I’ve done my job). Because we grow through ideas and experiences that stretch us. And all I want to do is help you grow (into your greatness).

The idea centers on the importance of surrounding yourself with people who cause you to leave the SHK: Safe Harbor of the Known. Why spend time with people at work who play at mediocre? Why have friends in your personal life who resign themselves to being ordinary? We really do become who we drink coffee with. We really will become our associations.

Powerful thought: You will become a lot like the five people you spend most of your time with (hope I didn’t scare you). So my suggestion is that you invite people into your professional and personal life who inspire you. Who will uplift you. Who will make you more extraordinary/authentic/unforgettable (and loving). Who are viscerally committed to world class. And, most importantly, who see the world through a different set of eyes. They’ll challenge you. They’ll push you. And sometimes maybe they’ll even irritate you (if so, fantastic). This practice will serve
you well. So that you grow. And reach. And evolve. So that you will never be the same.

To get to world class, it is absolutely essential to become an excellent innovator. Relentlessly making things better and passionately discovering new ways to add value, work smarter and move faster are core creative traits that the best in business live by. And to be astonishingly creative and generate those big ideas that catapult you to your highest level, you don’t need to go walking in the woods or find some sanctuary. Some of the best insights come from innovating and thinking outside of the box at the very place where you now stand. As Tom Kelley, president of the Silicon Valley–based design firm IDEO, observed, “Brainstorming at ski lodges and beach resorts can be counterproductive. Do you want your team members to think that creativity and inspiration can only happen at high altitudes or within walking distance from an ocean? Don’t get me wrong: Off-sites are fine. But remember, you want the buzz of creativity to blow through your offices as regularly as a breeze at the beach.” So perfectly said.