We all have the potentials to be great at one thing! According to Bill Gates, this one thing is that thing we are passionate about. I believe this, but i believe that passion needs to be better qualified. I was listening to Jim Collin lately, and heard an analogy that he gave that sank in the point.
There are 3 circles that should matter to every individual who desires success, or aspires to be great. These three circles define 3 areas of life, and it is the meeting point of these three circles that one’s shot at greatness lies.
Circle 1
This is the circle of talent. This circle is the circle that contains the things you are talented at. The things that you have a chance to be the best in the world if given time and attention. This is the circle that contains the things you are genetically wired to do. The things you are configured for, have a flair for and possibly do better than most people without much effort.
Circle 2
This is the circle of passion. This circle contains the things you are passionate about. These are the things you are willing to do for free all your life if money was not an issue. These are the activities that move you to excitement or the things that move you to tears. These are activities that touch on your emotions.
Circle 3
This is your circle of economic value. This is the circle that contains the things you can do in exchange for economic value. These are the things that you can write an equation of $/x around, where x are the items in this circle. These are profitable, self sustainable things that make sense to you and are in line with what you can see yourself doing.
The meeting point of these three circles is where you have a shot at greatness. The thing you will excel at, is that thing for which you have the genetic wiring (talent), passion and makes economic sense. The touching point of these three overlapping circle is your big opportunity.
If you have talent but no passion, you’ll never be the best in the world. If you have passion without talent, you’ll likely get frustrated when you site raw talent outdoing you without much effort. If you have both without economic value, it will lead to frustration as you won’t be able to continue for long.
Every attempt at self discovery should help in defining the elements in this circle and identifying where they overlap. You have what it takes to be great, you were genetically wired to have some special skills, your passion for your utilizing your talent to gain economic value is what guarantees your success. You will make it! The journey towards success starts from within. Take time, draw your circles today, and don’t be shy to ask for help. We need each other.
11 thoughts on “Your only shot at greatness!”
Dear deolu,I am a graduate of mech. Engrn., I’ve finished the national youth service earlier this year(feb. 2006), although I am yet to be employed, I sincerely believe that I’ll be,very soon. I want to commend the efforts of you and your team for the great work you’re doing.The article “Your Only Shot at Greatness” has been a blessing to me personally. Keep up the good work and I know someday, people like us will give towards your vision to appreciate your effort for lifting us up on our journey to success. Thanks.
Deolu,Since the day i met in UI during trailblazer. I know there is hope for my type of Nigeria. I can see you in the concentric circle for the change.God bless you
Original Article!
If I can centralize my talent, my passion and my commercial trade offs, then I will be great.
Its surely worth meditating on.
Thanx…….
Can I have your cell number, I need to talk to you.
you are such an awesome person.
Ever since I got your site men I most say it has been a source of inspiration for me everyday I most see what is on your page, am a graduate of Sociology and anthropology with a lot to offer though our society is not easy to get through, I have spent a year after service now still looking for a job am not letting it wear me down, as the saying goes they cant stop your shine it can only be delayed, which is why I praise you for your encouragement everyday sincerely look forward to being a part of your program and also adding to its growth and success.
Keep up the work, as you will say YOU TOO MUCH
I left my job late last night (some minutes to 10pm) because I did not want to carry over the day’s trouble (Is it not written that sufficient for each day is its trouble?);slept late cos of a presentation I was working on, and came up to work early today to tidy up a task. These activities led me to feeling very sleepy at work. Feeling sleepy led me to want to read what Adeolu had to say. This article revived me! Keep up the good thinking! WOW!
greatness= (tAleNt ∩ pAsSiOn ∩ mOnEy). Remember your set theory?
Opeyemi
this is a very beautiful and educative site.
huh huh,i’m sure you’ll be smilling that this guy has gone to chk me out abi?this write up is really inspiring and thot provoking !kip d good work.
without passion, skill development and vlue added edge, it may be imposible for any one to be relevant in this age.
Keep the good work.
sir, you are good. this is a wonderful teaching. i am also trying to develop myself in this 3 areas. thank you sir.
this lovely….. i loved every single line in this article….one of the best articles on this site to me….lovely…thank you Deolu…God bless