“Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential.” ~ Sir Winston Churchill

When I consider the many great accomplishments wrought by mankind over the generations I am both awed by what we have achieved and convinced that we have the potential to achieve far greater things should we continue to dedicate ourselves to unlocking the potential in those around us.

The company I work for is a microcosm of sorts of the world at-large, and it fascinates me to no end to watch those in the company who move up through the ranks. In our educational system the greatest factor in upward mobility is tenure, but in my company upward movement comes as a natural by-product of an expanding field of radiant service.

Small people limit themselves to working on themselves. People who go places do what is required to perfect their part while working continuously to provide the atmosphere and inspiration necessary for others to spread their wings. Such inspiration is necessary, but not sufficient, for each person must decide to internalize the inspiration, refashion it and extend it out to the world they center if it is to have any meaning.

No doubt you have had occasion where you were inspired by another. The feeling I get when I am inspired is one of lightness, capability, expanded vision and strength. Those feelings are fleeting, however, if you breath in the inspiration but forget to breath it out. If you are inspired, share it with your world as soon as practicable!

If you’ve ever had the thought go through your head that goes something like this: “You are not good enough/have not been here long enough/don’t have the right title to be a notable inspiration in this situation…” don’t believe it! Don’t give it weight in your heart! Don’t feed it! False humility leads nowhere and does no one any good.

Look instead to be an inspiration, a shining example in all that you do. You may not be the best out there at what you are doing but if you give it your best, no matter how you feel, you will begin to influence the world around you for the better.

Far too much change on earth occurs out of necessity, out of reaction to ill things and out of a frenzied attempt to get out of a bad corner. Much more change could occur through conscious, alert and passionate people intent on moving from good to better. Further, the more change that occurs on the latter basis the less need there will be for the former!

I don’t care where you were born, who your parents were, what you look like or how you were raised, you have the potential for greatness, for the expression of an uncommon excellence through the circumstances – exactly as they are configured in any given moment – that come your way.

The first step is to give up excuses, eschew the habit of wishing things (or you or those around you for that matter) were different and to look to handle what comes your way as creatively as possible, no matter how challenging your set of circumstances may be. The second follows naturally, requiring only that you seek in all situations to assist others to a fuller expression of their potential, which leads ultimately to greater fulfillment.

Follow these two steps – continuously – and you will change the world!