"Fame is what you’re known for. Greatness is what you are."

A thought by Erwin Raphael McManus in his book, Mind Shift (p. 35). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.)

Erwin says, "You can be great and never be famous. You might be a scientist who discovers the cure for a disease, for example, but science doesn’t play well on TikTok, so you may end up living the rest of your life in obscurity. You might be a great mathematician who unlocks the mysteries of the universe and at best become a household name among a handful of physicists. Maybe your grandfather worked the coal mines, or the assembly line, or the front lines, all to create a better life for his children and grandchildren. Is his greatness any less great for the lack of fame?"

He continues, "Here’s the key: Don’t try to keep up with those who use all their energy pursuing fame. They are on the fast track. You need to play the long game. But know that if you do this, it might not go well for you in the short term. You will be the tortoise, not the hare. You might feel as if you’re losing ground while other people are earning more money or attention or living out your dreams.

"Stay the course. Greatness takes time. In its earliest stages, it looks like practice. Every great novelist has written millions of words that will never be read. The neurosurgeon with the skills to save your life sacrificed more than a decade of their own life gaining those skills. The tennis great who makes that impossible shot to win Wimbledon hit that same shot a thousand times while training for that championship."

Erwin then says, "You may think you need an audience to reveal your greatness. The truth is, the audience will sidetrack you from your future. You perform for the audience; you develop for yourself. That’s the paradox with unlocking your greatness. While the outcome may gain you the adoration of the masses, the process is a journey you must be willing to walk alone. Greatness is always grown in private. If you want to do what no one has done before, you must be willing to do what no one is doing. Even those close to you will not understand your intensity and the focus essential for continuous improvement. If you need the applause to be great, you will never survive the process. But if you want to move toward your optimal capacity, you must decide that the applause that matters comes from within. The crowd will meet you at the finish line, but your resilience and determination will accompany you the whole way."

Now that is so very, very good. Yes, yes! #continuethought

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