Today I had to pleasure of sitting down with Michael Singleton, academic success coach at Tulsa Community College. We talked about greatness and what it meant. I asked him two questions:
· What is your definition of greatness?
· What advice do you have when it comes to helping students experience it?
He shared how greatness is found in the one who gives the most of themselves for the whole, speaking of others. They are conscience of giving themselves to the whole.
But how can students achieve this? He shared that every student is passionate about something. The question is how can they use that passion to move forward? And when he mentioned “to move forward” he expanded it as moving forward in two ways:
· Move forward to develop yourselves so you are stronger to give back to others, because it’s not just about you.
· Move forward to develop others, asking yourself the question, “How can I help my community”.
My Thoughts
This interview with Michael Singleton was very enjoyable and after reflecting on his statements I have come to see them as very true. It’s not just about what you do for yourself. It’s asking the questions what can I do for others? How can I help others? And to do that you do have to help yourself. There is an inner work that must take place for one to be able to impact the lives of others.
Example
Imagine seeing a person drown and you want to jump in and save them. But you pause, and instead scream for help. Why? Because you can’t swim! But imagine if you could swim, and swim very well, but you choose not to? That would be cruel!
Summary
Greatness is not just about developing yourself and patting yourself on the back, walking away. Instead, greatness is about choosing to find someone else to help along the way. Almost like the idea that we must be selfish, so that we can be selfless. Do something for yourself, so that you can do something for others.
Reflection
What are you passionate about? Develop it! Or maybe you are in a place to develop others? Develop others! Be selfish so that you can be selfless.
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