A Breakthrough to Greatness

  She was tired of the predictability. The thought of having one more conversation and debate about what style doorknob to use made her head spin. There had to be something more to life. The world of architecture excited her but there had to be more. She was given a talent, a very creative one, and was looking for a way to use it in a way that would allow others to discover inventiveness of their own. Emily Pilloton talked about her creative passion at a luncheon I recently attended. She was inspiring to listen to. The passion she spoke with was infectious. Hearing Emily's talk brought a lot of things to my mind. The world around her was dictating how and when she moved. However, she wanted to create her own path. Whether she succeeded or failed Emily was going to give it everything she had. Creating your own non-profit is not easy. I would not have thought otherwise. The cliche of thinking outside of the box has come and gone. Emily was breaking the box and the lives of many would change course. There are lots of good people in this world. Many are stepping into greatness and a box will not hold them back.

  Hearing talks like this are right up my alley. I love hearing how people decide to take control of their God-given talent and use it in ways they determine. She had a mission and a vision and decided it was go-time. She had been following someone else's vision all the while using her gifts and talents. That is okay for a time--especially when you are learning. However, the time had come for that to change. People like Emily aren't sitting around waiting for someone to hand something to them. They are going after it themselves. As my dad used to say, "They are taking the bull by the horns." Yes, that may be a worn out cliche but it is right on the money. The road was not easy either. Roadblocks, in the form of other people, often find their way to our path. If you are like Emily roadblocks get busted. Her spunk is contagious. Her passion to obliterate the box is attractive and gutsy. Great people have that zest to see change. And there is not a box big enough to keep them from moving ahead.

  Many of us live our lives wanting things done for us. We want to be comforted and taken care of. While on the surface this may not be dangerous I believe that these characteristics distract us from our purpose. These traits take away our passion and cause us to lose sight of what our talents can bring to others. Innovators like Emily exist everywhere in our world. There are people who are amazingly gifted and talented. Great people are everywhere and the world is being changed little by little. And yet there are many who are too preoccupied to understand the intensity of their own gifting. Sometimes I think we don't pay attention to things that really grate on us. Now, I am not talking about the person in front of you that actually drives the speed limit or the retail store that never seems to have enough people working. I mean the real things in life that matter. Maybe you should keep track of them. Write them down. That is a place to start. Your talents are dying to bring change. Greatness is inside each one of us. We are all an Emily. What are we waiting for? Invitations won't be arriving in the mailbox.

  Sometimes we allow the factors of life to control us rather than the other way around. As a person of faith I give the wheel to the One who loves me and wants me to use the gifts He gave. Who is calling the shots for you? We are all at different points. The key really is not where you are but rather what you are doing about where you are. Right now my wife is going to school to achieve her undergraduate degree. Greatness is happening in her life. She busted through the box. Were there roadblocks? You bet. Don't think for one minute that greatness does not come with a price. I am here to support her and our family and help all of us achieve our goals. Greatness is happening in my life as I support her. The key point is that greatness is a matter of letting go of fear. What's there to really be afraid of? For me the only thing to be afraid of is not trying at all. The box needs a beating. Life is not to be lived in a sedentary state. Only the box stands still.

  Emily Pilloton has reached greatness. Maybe you have reached it yourself. Congratulations to you!Remember as you travel on the path to greatness that you were born for this. You were meant to be a teacher, architect, engineer, singer, lawyer, doctor, artist, blogger, writer/author, business owner, non-profit leader, scientist, pastor, facility manager, store manager, plumber, salesperson...and the people you have encountered along the way needed you. Maybe they still do today. Your greatness is about them. It is not about self-aggrandizement. Greatness is not found in the puffing up of our own achievements. We can't be so concerned with our own success that we lose sight of the reason we were given the gifts we have. There is no honor in that. Anyone can do that. That is the easy way. It is about making a difference for others. You don't need to start a non-profit but get in the game. Participate in your life. I want you to break the box, shred it into pieces and find your greatness. Remember, it's about the dash!