Here’s a truth you can bet the house on…

Mediocrity is a self-imposed death sentence.

In today’s environment, mediocrity is a self-imposed death sentence.

Why?

Because…

Work, money and opportunity gravitate to scarce resources…quality labor, good attitude and unique skill sets.

Here’s what’s not scarce…unskilled labor, poor attitudes and weak skill sets.

In fact, there’s a glut…a massive surplus of mediocrity in the global marketplace which explains why it’s not held in high regard.

Scarcity is what gives greatness such incredible value…and you fundamentally destroy your chances of a better future by practicing mediocrity.

It’s as simple and straightforward as that.

Either you’re among the select few who are thriving, or you’re like most people who are distracted, overwhelmed, underemployed and struggling.

The raw, honest, finger-in-the-eye truth is this…

It’s simply not enough to just show up, go through the motions and do your work.

In case you’re wondering why…tattoo this next line to your forehead.

Superior performance is not, never has been, nor will it ever be the by-product of ordinary efforts!

You must embrace the fact that in order for you to remain competitive…

It’s in your best interest to learn what it takes to become great, make everything count and exceed expectations at all times.

THE TRUTH ABOUT GREATNESS

So, what makes someone ordinary become extraordinary?

What enables someone to become one of the great ones of their generation…a true master in their area of expertise…the greatest of all time?

Is it their intellect, genetics, or good looks?

Is it their charisma, leadership qualities or persuasion skills?

Some choose to measure greatness in innovations and artistry.

Others choose to measure greatness in physical strength and speed.

A good number choose to measure greatness in terms of financial gain and physical possessions.

Influencers choose to measure greatness in applause, likes and accolades.

And, sports fans choose to measure greatness in points scored, records broken and contests won.

While there’s no definitive formula or measurement for greatness…there’s also no denying that there are common traits that make great people and organizations stand apart from everyone else.

There are ways of doing things and thinking about the world that people at the top just do differently…and that is precisely what we are going to focus on in this message.

GREATNESS — HOW THE SAUSAGE IS MADE

#1 Greatness Requires Emotional Commitment

Albert Einstein beautifully stated that…

“Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength and soul can be a true master. For this reason mastery demands all of a person.”

It’s an emotional quality, not an intellectual one, that separates the great from everyone else.

We live in a culture that tends to overemphasize intellect…of going to the best schools and getting the right education…but greatness is so much more dependent upon being emotionally committed to the work you are doing.

Being emotionally committed to a cause, problem or project enables you to go places others are afraid to go, to try things others are afraid to try, and to be the kind of person others are afraid to be.

#2 Greatness Requires Suffering

There is no free lunch when it comes to greatness or mediocrity…you’re going to pay a price…you’re going to struggle and suffer either way.

To live at the peak of your potential…you must choose the suffering that’s right for you…you must accept that reality…you must embrace that truth…and you must live with it every day of your life.

The moment you choose not to continue to pay the price of greatness is the precise moment you choose to suffer the consequences of mediocrity which is the worst kind of suffering.

Be very mindful that the suffering cost of mediocrity is always going to be higher than the suffering price for greatness.

#3 Greatness Requires Self-Awareness

The ones who are truly great by any reasonable standard, have a “presence” about them…a sense of power and conviction that transcends their current position or circumstance.

Unlike most people, the great ones know, in their heart of hearts who they really are…why they exist…and what they were born to do.

You’ll be free to pursue your highest ideal, once you discover your reason for existence.

Consider a few questions…

If you don’t know exactly who you are…how can you possibly bring your strengths to bear, and truly unleash your greatness?

If you don’t know exactly who you are…how can you possibly overcome the shortcomings, setbacks and challenges that are obvious to everyone else?

Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart for the simple reason that he who looks outside, merely dreams…but he who looks inside, awakens the giant within.

IN CONCLUSION

I’ll leave you with a few thoughts to consider along with a massive blast of encouragement.

• What more do you need to accomplish to become the greatest version of yourself?

• What habits of thinking and behaving do your need to purge to showcase your greatness?

The good news…check that, the great news is that EVERY DAY presents you with numerous opportunities to step it up and show the world just how great you really are.

You must give every day the chance to be the best day of your life…and you do that by seizing every opportunity to unleash your greatness.

It’s clear to me that we’re all starving for challenges worthy of our secret, limitless capacities.

I believe we’re all ravenous for a call to greatness, and that it’s our responsibility to summon it…to call it forth by action and exhortation.

You are your own best coach and cheerleader…therefore recognize your ambitions, cater to them…and do everything in the spirit of greatness.

Inspire yourself. Challenge yourself. Call yourself out. Self-initiate, self-motivate, self-validate.

Average is over. You have to be great!

The 100 Day Challenge is a rapid execution system used by more than 675,000 high-achievers to achieve life-changing results in 100 days. Don’t do it unless you want spectacular results.

The strategies you’ll learn in the 100 Day Challenge have elected a president, grown non-profit causes, won gold medals and fueled movements. Now it’s your turn to win bigger faster!