Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

What is the secret of greatness? How can be put ourselves in the limelight as a great person? Answer: We can't. Only others can label us as great.

It is a "ME FIRST" kind of world. As aggressive participants in the game of life we are all looking for what we can control to make things happen in our lives. However, attempts to become great in any endeavor are fruitless if we focus only on what we stand to gain from an act. Greatness is given to us in return for what and how we give to others.

Mohammed Ali proclaimed that he was the greatest, but so did many others. It is through the giving of his performance, the generosity that he showed the people around him, the humanitarian efforts world-wide that causes people to still call him the greatest years after his boxing titles and skills have diminished.

So How Can We Achieve Greatness?

• Forget about being great. When we focus on our rewards we automatically forfeit greatness to selfishness.

• Think of others first. It is only through being considerate and attentive to the needs of others can greatness be achieved.

• Have an Attitude of Servitude. Live in faith that by devoting yourself to serving others with all your heart you will have great abundance in your life.

• Stick to Your Guns. The rub with attaining greatness is that you won't know that it is happening. If you are truly on track your focus will be totally on others. As you get closer you will be challenged like you never have before with problems and situations that will try to change your focus back to yourself. Be aware that this is happening and sharpen your focus, don't change it. Trying times are where greatness is bestowed.

If you have the courage to start and the willingness to persist while placing others above your own, then you will overcome the obstacles and reap satisfying rewards!