In a previous post I said what makes someone great isn’t the same thing that will make you great.

But I want to refine this further.

What I really meant is: greatness isn’t binary.

There isn’t a criteria you need to meet.

Looking outward it might seem that way.

The people you look up to tick all the right boxes.

They have that ‘it’ factor.

But look deeper.

Is there anyone else that has exactly the same set of characteristics as them?

…no…

There’s a reason why they’re distinctive.

Why they stand out.

Why there isn’t anyone else like them.

They’re themselves.

Expressing their true nature.

Artistically.

Intellectually.

Lyrically.

It takes courage.

On one hand you want to be the one walking the hero's journey.

On the other you want to fit in and be accepted.

It’s another contradiction.

Again, look deeper.

One is an expression of self, of one’s true nature.

The other is an abdication of one’s true self.

What’s the message here?

To be great, be yourself.

Further.

To be great, let your ‘self’ be free to explore true expression.

Combine that with the courage to speak up.

The discipline to master your craft.

A little bit of luck.

And at the very least, you’ll be great, with a story worth telling.

At best, you’ll be something extraordinary.

Our Maiōrēs watch on.

-Aidan