Do things greatly

You don't have to do great things, but you should do things greatly.  At my daughter's graduation yesterday, the Head of School gave the type of speech you expect at graduations.  Overall, I thought it was great, but I had one problem with it.  She spoke of the graduates who would go on to cure a disease, or hold public office, or a variety of other great things.

This got me thinking.  If our measure of success is doing great things, doesn't this mean that most of us will end up disappointed in our accomplishments?  I have a better idea for how to grade yourself on your success in life.  Rather than aiming for great things, why not aim to do whatever you do greatly.

Whether you're a brain surgeon, or a garbage collector, you are a contributing member of society.  Whatever job you have, be the best at it that you can be.  Aim to get better all the time.  Try to learn new things.  Be great.

Think about how much better the world would be if we all aimed to be the best that we can be at whatever we're doing, rather than dreaming of doing something more glamorous.  I don't mean to say that you shouldn't aim high.  Aim as high as you want, but wherever you are, whatever you're doing, be the best you can be.

You can start today.  Be the best you can be at whatever you do today.  Take pride in what you do.  I think you'll like how good it feels.