Unlocking the Secrets of Greatness: What Drives Success?
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Chapter 1: The Essence of Greatness
The concept of greatness hinges on the realization that often our minds give up before our bodies do. Faith, it seems, is the spirit transcending the limits of our vision.
Each individual labeled as a “genius” shares a fundamental trait—the “DNA of Greatness.” Recently, I stumbled upon some archival footage of Michael Jordan, and it sparked a reflection. Much like how I occasionally listen to Mozart's Requiem, read Shakespeare's Hamlet, or even indulge in the scent of Chanel No. 5, revisiting Jordan's games reminds me that “Genius see, Genius do.”
Our lives tend to reflect what we focus on most intently. Therefore, if you have an enduring passion, as I do, you'll resonate with what another iconic MJ expressed: “Study the greats and become greater.”
When I analyze Jordan's gameplay, I am not primarily fixated on his extraordinary skill. Sure, his gravity-defying dunks are impressive, but they hardly captivate my full attention. Instead, I am drawn to the essence of greatness that every time I watch him play, I witness.
You might wonder, what is this “DNA” I speak of? After Marie Curie received her second Nobel Prize, she was asked to pose for a picture. Her impatient reply, “Hurry up and finish, so I can get on with my work!” showcases a mindset akin to Jordan’s: “Success is the only option.”
This embodies the DNA of Greatness: recognizing that our minds often surrender long before our bodies do.
The first video titled "The 3 Foods You Will NEVER EAT AGAIN After Watching This!" featuring Dr. William Li and Lewis Howes delves into dietary choices that can impact our health and well-being, urging viewers to reconsider their eating habits.
Example Beats Precept: Jordan’s Legendary “Flu Game”
In a pivotal NBA Finals game, a flu-stricken Jordan, visibly exhausted, still took to the court. Despite pleas from his wife and doctors to sit out due to a fever reaching 103 degrees, he made the decision to play.
As he battled through blurry vision and exhaustion, he understood that true success meant overcoming immense obstacles. Injected with fluids and painkillers at halftime, his spirit—the core of his being—refused to yield.
What is faith, if not the soul pushing beyond the visible limits? After nearly collapsing, Jordan remarkably finished the game with 38 points, leading his team to victory with a decisive three-pointer.
“Are you not entertained?” he might have asked the astonished crowd, echoing the sentiments of a legendary character. Reflecting on that night, he described it as “probably the most difficult thing I’ve ever done.”
Thus, to ensure you achieve greatness, you must embrace the DNA of Greatness: understanding that our minds often quit long before our bodies.
Chapter 2: The Importance of Habit
In the second video, "Dr. Joe Dispenza ON: How To BRAINWASH Yourself For Success & Destroy NEGATIVE THOUGHTS!" viewers learn techniques to cultivate a success-oriented mindset and eliminate negative thoughts.
As Aristotle famously stated, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.” The phrase “it’s become second nature to me” is merely another way to express habit, which can be synonymous with instinct.
Human beings, despite sharing 98.8 percent of their DNA with chimpanzees, have the unique capacity for conscious thought. Whereas instinct operates independently of reason, our evolved consciousness allows us to pause and reflect.
This ability to choose is what sets us apart. Unlike other creatures bound by instinct, we can rewrite our narratives and create new pathways.
It's crucial to remember Aristotle's wisdom about excellence. Whether through divine design or evolutionary processes, our minds are our greatest assets. The capabilities we possess in imagination and consciousness elevate us beyond mere instinctual behavior.
Warren Buffett once cautioned young investors about the “chains of habit.” Winning is indeed a habit, just as losing can become one. Once you learn to quit, it can easily transform into a recurring pattern.
Ultimately, remember: “Winners never quit. Quitters never win.”
“Originally published on the official Irrelevant Matters website.”