It seems that whenever we humans feel a need for advice, wisdom, and role models, we tend to begin our search in distant places and/or times past, and we gravitate toward the famous. Even Jesus, who people the world over venerate, noted this tendency when he said, “A prophet is not without honor, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.”
I was a young adult when I had a powerful epiphany regarding this phenomenon. One morning, I was quietly contemplating how I had arrived at where I currently was in my life. It occurred to me that many people had contributed to my evolution and growth as a human being. So, I made a list of the people who had had a profound influence on my life—and in which ways. Most of them were alive (I later sent thank you notes and letters), but some of them had passed. Heading the list of those who had passed was my grandmother. As I thought back on my associations with her, it occurred to me that I had never heard her say an unkind word about anyone—anyone! She had spent her life quietly serving other people. I thought to myself, “Where on Earth could I ever find a better example of kindness and service than I had found in my own grandmother?” As I worked down my list, I had similar a-ha moments as I realized how each person’s traits of “greatness” had shaped my life in profound ways.
During my 30 years as a career/life coach, workshop facilitator, and speaker, I have had the privilege of working with thousands of people. Every person who I have gotten to know on a personal basis has openly (consciously or not) displayed their personal “greatness” to me. I have been awed as I have witnessed, first hand, what people have been able to achieve with their lives—and humbled by observing how committed many have been to serving their fellow beings and making this world a better place to live.
My friends, when we are in search of expert advice, timeless wisdom, or examples of true greatness, let’s remember that these things can often be found in those most familiar to us—family, friends, and colleagues—if we but have the eyes to see.