Dear Destiny Friends,
Greatness is worth aspiring to, but it isn’t cheap. It takes sacrifice, patience, wisdom, perseverance, and dedication. My late dad, Chief Lazarus Anthony Ukazu, used to say, “If you want to bear a bear name, one must work hard to earn it.” Success doesn’t come on a platter of gold. Whoever wants to be president must live intentionally. A student who wants a perfect GPA must earn good grades from the first year. An employee who wants to become a manager must be punctual and have a top-notch work ethic.
One of the fastest ways to reach greatness is to know yourself. As Oscar Wilde said, “Be yourself because others are taken.” Focus on what you’re naturally good at. Ask yourself: What do I do without struggle? What do people compliment me on? What would I do for free? What could I do well if I woke up from sleep? If you can answer these, you’re halfway there. The other half is developing that gift.
Self-discovery saves time and energy that would go into pursuits that add no value to your life. It took me years to learn this. I studied taxation law at New York Law School, a major I didn’t like. I worked at a tax firm, a boutique law firm, a not-for-profit, and a private corporation, and I tried entrepreneurship. Now I work in the public sector. Clarity came when I became a Case Manager, and my writing then showed me who I was. Today I have three books and hundreds of articles to my name. I found what I love, and the universe connected me to the right people and opportunities.
Plenty of doctors, nurses, engineers, and lawyers earn good money yet feel unhappy. Meanwhile, some people without college degrees are successful and fulfilled. They found what makes them unique.
John Maxwell’s father taught that greatness requires valuing people, believing in them, and loving them unconditionally. When I write or speak, I try to do exactly that. People thrive when others think well of them, and valuing people brings out the best in me, too.
So I ask you: are you aspiring for greatness in your family, school, workplace, or community? Then develop what you’re naturally good at.
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He is Legal Coordinator at the NYC Department of Correction, founder of Gloemi, a mindset coach, public speaker, and author of Design Your Destiny, Unleash Your Destiny, and The Six Pillars of Success. Contact: info@gloemi.com
