The Sunday Mail
YOU cannot just sit still and let the world pass you by.
Hunt for Greatness
Milton Kamwendo
In a world that constantly evolves, the pursuit of greatness is not merely an option but a necessity. Moving from good to great should be your obsession.
To thrive and leave a lasting impact, you must embrace next-level thinking. You must think beyond the ordinary, transcending the usual bounds of creativity and efficiency. This journey to greatness can be guided by what I call the “five Ms of next-level thinking”: Me, More, Mine, Move and Mark.
Me: Self-realisation and personal growth
The journey to next-level thinking starts with “Me”. You cannot delegate greatness. You should not excuse yourself. Self-realisation is the cornerstone of personal greatness and growth. It involves understanding your strengths, weaknesses, values and passions.
Embrace continuous learning and self-improvement. Refuse to remain at the same level of knowledge where you were last year. Cultivate resilience and adaptability. Remember, the most significant investment you can make is in yourself. As you grow and evolve, so does your potential to impact the world and make a difference. Commit to growing daily and take responsibility for your own growth.
More: The quest for excellence
Next-level thinking is anchored in the desire for “More”. It is about not settling for mediocrity but striving for greatness in everything you do. This does not mean being the best in a conventional sense. It is not about just reaching a goal and then stopping. It is rather consistently pushing beyond your previous best. It is about challenging the status quo.
It is choosing not to die while you are still living. It is being open to new ideas. It is relentlessly pursuing improvement and innovation. It is always crying for more. Refuse to plateau.
Mine: Harnessing your unique potential
What is mine? This question is not about possessions but discovering your unique abilities and potential. It is recognising that your greatest resource is your unique combination of skills, experiences and perspectives. Leverage on these assets to create value that only you can provide. Whether it is in your career, business or personal life, bringing your authentic self to the forefront can lead to unparalleled greatness.
There is another way of looking at this dimension: Keep mining further and deeper. Keep drilling further. Keep mining your potential and talent. Keep following your “belt” of greatness.
Move: Taking action and embracing change
Ideas, dreams, resolutions and plans mean little without action. It is action that brings things to life. This is where “Move” takes centre stage. Next-level thinking demands not just strategic planning and tactical planning. It also requires the courage to act, the courage to make bold moves. It is about stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing change and being proactive.
The journey to greatness begins with a single step. Do not be afraid of taking that first step, then another and yet another. Even if you cannot see the whole staircase, just take the single steps and persist. Keep moving.
Mark: Making a lasting impact
Finally, “Mark” focuses on the legacy you leave behind, the mark and dent that you want to create in the world. Think about the impact of your actions on your community, society and the world. Next-level thinking is not just about personal greatness but also about making a positive difference in the lives of others. Whether it is through mentorship, philanthropy or innovation, strive to leave a mark that outlives your physical presence.
Have the courage to think differently and strive to do great things.
Remember these words from Steve Jobs: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
As you engage next-level thinking, leverage on these five Ms — Me, More, Mine, Move and Mark. This will propel you towards a greater future. It will propel you to a future of exceptional achievements and profound impact. This is an approach that combines personal development with a broader vision of greatness and meaningful contribution.
Remember, the world does not need more people who flaunt things. It needs more people who are game-changers, innovators, leaders and difference-makers. It is not looking for people who complain, but those who solve problems.
The world is looking for people who are true to themselves, who unleash their potential for greatness and are committed to making a difference. Let the greatness journey begin!
Committed to your greatness.
Milton Kamwendo is a leading international transformational and motivational speaker, author and accomplished workshop facilitator. He is a cutting-edge strategy, team-building and organisation development facilitator and consultant. His life purpose is to inspire and promote greatness. He can be reached at: [email protected]
