I see it in the workplace. I see it in life. I see it on the ball field. I see it at school. So many people do just enough to get by – their standard is average. What do you get by bluffing your way through your life – the greatest adventure you’ll ever have? Why not choose to make it great?
Greatness isn’t so much about the outcome as it is about the effort. Do you start each thing you do with an attitude of greatness – of doing your best, of thinking that the event is worthwhile? Do you look at everything as an opportunity to shine, to change things for the better?
I was in a Starbucks (big surprise!) and went to use the restroom. At that moment it was being cleaned by one of the employees. He said to me as I asked about its availability, “If you give me 5 more minutes, I guarantee that this will be the cleanest restroom you have ever seen.” It was his choice to do just enough – be average – or to do his cleaning in an epic and great way. He chose great. The bathroom sparkled. Whatever you do, make it great.
I was at a large national resort hotel for an award luncheon that celebrated my company for being one of our area’s best places to work. I love to look at the landscaping everywhere I go, particularly in these great resort hotels. I watched two employees as they planted. One was upbeat, having fun as he dug and planted each flower – singing, whistling – having an amazing time. The other rolled his eyes and cursed anytime something didn’t go his way. Which flower bed do you think looked better? Whose life was better in that moment? Whatever you do, make it great.
So, what do you get if you move from average to great?
Let’s start on the outside:
• You get noticed for the extra effort. And in a world of cutbacks and downsizing, shouldn’t your management know you are the one who stands out and does everything in the best way possible?
• You completely change and improve others’ days. Share a smile, an upbeat conversation, a high energy pace – and you will have the world changing with you. Classic Gandhi: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Let’s move to your inside:
• You develop your personal standard, one that guides you successfully in everything you do. You develop confidence to be who you truly are.
• You improve your mood, your outlook, your attitude, your energy, your happiness. People don’t take you down. Optimism, not pessimism, guides your day. Again, classic Gandhi, “A man is a product of his thoughts – what he thinks, he becomes. Think great – be great.
You can choose to be average or great in everything you do – your job, schoolwork, how you make a meal, or even walk the dog. It isn’t about the time. It’s about the intent and effort. It’s about the outlook. It’s about the choice. So whatever you do, make it great. And in the process you and the world change for the better.
Good news should always be shared, and choosing to approach each day with a focus on great instead of average is good news. Please share this with someone who can benefit from it. Contact me to learn more about Think Great and other Greatness Coaching techniques and how they can improve your life. Be well, be great.
