With the blue bowl of animal crackers depleted, my juice pouch squeezed dry and nap time fast approaching — I was running out of time, resources and vocabulary words. All I wanted was to triumph over my father.
But not tonight, the plastic squares on the Scrabble board mocked me as I was yet again, defeated by my dictionary of a dad.
“Thank you for a great game, son,” he said, “you really gave me a fight tonight!”
To a disheartened, younger me his words were nothing but generic consolation. After downing a much needed cup of hot chocolate, I pulled my Toy Story blanket tight over my head and called it a night.
Reflecting on a seemingly trivial childhood experience, I see a pattern for greatness. The lessons are simple.
Giving
Today, everything is driven by incentive. With no expectations of anything in return, my father demystified the strategies of Scrabble. Learning to serve others selflessly isn’t always easy, but it is powerful.
Gratitude
One of the most ignored elements of leadership, to me, is the simple practice of saying thank you. Whether you are rising to the top or facing failure, taking the time to thank those who made your day, or you, better demonstrates character and humility.
Greatness
If you can successfully set aside personal gain and give to others; if you can practice demonstrating gratitude — then greatness will greet you with mutual trust, dependable friendship and the potential to make an impact.
Everyone wants to be remembered. Everyone wants to be great.
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