I recently attended a funeral Mass of a friend whom I know made an
eternal impact on others, just as he did on me.
What is this "eternal impact?" It's the lasting difference made by someone who achieves greatness as a person. And what is greatness? It's living a fully integrated life—beyond mere balance—where one continually grows spiritually, professionally (in each vocation, such as being a stay-at-home parent), and personally, a dimension often overlooked.
Is greatness within everyone's reach? Absolutely. Like a fingerprint, greatness is unique to each person.
Greatness resides
within because it's internal, not external. This friend wasn't famous—neither a politician, athlete, business mogul, spiritual leader, nor renowned actor. Yet, 1,500 friends filled a vast church to celebrate his life, akin to gatherings for those listed above.
Why did so many show up? Because this friend embodied greatness—a deep, expansive soul forged by an integrated life. Such souls create an eternal impact, a ripple effect felt through others. First, within their families, then across the diverse roles they inhabited—colleague, friend, community member. What is this ripple effect? It's my friend's example of living an integrated life—spiritually, professionally, and personally—now perpetuated in the lives of their friends.
Imagine how these 1,500 individuals will continue to perpetuate my friend's example... It would make a lasting difference in the world. THAT'S GREATNESS, and it's within everyone's grasp.
Interested in the personal growth training offered by the Authentic Leadership Foundation? Join us in helping youth discover their unique paths to greatness (and perhaps your own)!
Image by Arek Socha from PixabayThis article was last modified on July 17, 2024 .
Darren Smith
Darren Smith is Co-Founder of the Authentic Leadership Institute. He is a native Texan and a graduate of Dallas Jesuit and Texas A&M University. Over the past 25 years, Darren has visited 35 countries and led 100 strategy programs. He and his wife have five children.
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