Have you ever listened to an inspiring speech and thought, “I could do that. It seems so easy.”? But here’s a secret: Every rousing speech you’ve ever heard has been rehearsed and practiced and rehearsed and practiced again. And again. And again.
Maybe your idea of becoming a successful leader involves attracting a multitude of followers, people you can lead to a specific destination. But a significant leader doesn’t create followers, they create great leaders.
Of all the people I’ve met and worked with over the years, my friendship with Steve Jennings has always been a cherished and valued relationship. I consider him to be a hero; a true warrior. Years ago, he was in a horrific automobile accident, and was not expected to live. But not only did he recover, he overcame a wheelchair-binding paralysis to emerge as a leading authority on personal achievement and an ambassador for peace.
So, what’s the difference between success and significance? I’m glad you asked!
Success is achieving goals and finding “happiness” on a very shallow level. You leave no legacy. You make no difference in the grand scheme of things. You might be a successful writer, and sell thousands of books, but does what you write touch your readers’ hearts and souls?