At some point in our lives, we are faced with a choice: do we want a life of peace, or a life of achievement? Unfortunately, we can’t have both. If you’re aiming to achieve something truly great, you will inevitably have to disrupt your peace. As David Goggins once said, “If you’re trying to achieve something great, you’re gonna be unbalanced for a while.” The reality is, your sleep, relationships, mental health, and other aspects of life will take a hit as you pursue greatness.
The concept I’m sharing is perfectly illustrated in the diagram above. To achieve greatness, you must be prepared for disruption, and I don’t think it’s possible to be truly great without experiencing this imbalance. Of course, you can strive for success while maintaining balance, but I don’t believe that will ever lead to true greatness. It’s crucial to distinguish between being successful and being great.
Let’s put this into perspective. Consider success as becoming a millionaire. According to Forbes 2024, there are approximately 58.1 million millionaires globally, which makes up roughly 1.5% of the adult population. On the other hand, greatness could be defined as becoming a billionaire. Forbes 2024 reports there are only 3,323 billionaires worldwide, representing only 0.00004% of the global adult population. The stark difference between these two groups underscores the point that greatness requires an exceptional level of commitment and sacrifice.
Let’s look at another example, this time in the context of badminton. Success in badminton might mean achieving national-level recognition, such as becoming a national champion. A player who consistently dominates domestic tournaments, secures sponsorships, and enjoys a professional career in badminton can be considered successful. On the other hand, greatness in badminton is defined by becoming a world champion or winning an Olympic gold medal. Greatness in this context isn’t just about winning trophies; it’s about being recognized as one of the best in the world and leaving a legacy that impacts the sport.
The concept of greatness and success is very nuanced and can be viewed both subjectively and objectively. From a subjective standpoint, the definitions of success and greatness vary from person to person, shaped by individual values, experiences, and cultural influences. What one person considers great might differ from another’s perception of greatness. Success or greatness might look different to someone in a specific culture or context, influenced by their conditioning and personal goals.
On the other hand, objective greatness tends to be more universally recognized. It’s often associated with significant contributions to humanity or excellence in a specific field, typically marked by awards or historical recognition. However, even these acknowledgments can be shaped by biases and societal perceptions.
The path to greatness involves both learning from others and nurturing intrinsic motivation. Drawing inspiration from role models and historical figures can offer valuable lessons. However, what ultimately fuels the journey is self-belief, passion, and a strong sense of purpose. While many successful individuals may strike a balance between external influence and personal drive, those who achieve greatness often do so by following their instincts and adapting the lessons from others to their unique circumstances.
Greatness is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s deeply individual and requires a combination of external influence, personal sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to one’s purpose. The journey may not always be easy, but it’s this very journey that shapes the legacies of those who dare to be great.
Thank you for reading.