Availability - We often settle for what’s available and what’s available isn’t always great. Imagine if a brand decided to settle when it came to quality in their products. Resulting in an average or OK brand identity, instead of striving for and achieving greatness. Where would our favourite brands be today if they all just said, "Good works, we don't need to be great."
Ignorance - If we don’t know how to make something great, we simply won’t. If we don’t know that greatness is possible, we won’t bother attempting it. All too often, we literally do not know any better than good enough. Giving up, reaching for the mediocrity instead of greatness. Consider this when sitting down to create something; the scent of confidence and pride in ones work speaks volumes and can be the needed edge.
Committees - Nothing destroys a good idea faster than a mandatory consensus. The lowest common denominator is never a high standard. A slight rebellion is good for the soul. Sometimes the consensus of others can make a person second guess something brilliant and force them into a place of ease. The willingness to take a risk and the desire to be different, be better, be great; that is what separates the strong from the weak.
Comfort - Why pursue greatness when you’ve already got 324 channels and a recliner? Pass the dip and forget about your grand designs. This enemy is by far the worst. So often people fear change and rocking the boat worried that a rough current could lead to a sunken ship or an over dipped chip. I say dip that chip as much as you want layer things on and create something entirely new. The greatest designs come from the unforeseen.
Momentum - If you’ve been doing what you’re doing for years and its not-so-great, you are in a rut. Many people refer to these ruts as careers. A career is a fraction of a person but not their defining characteristic. With that said one must enjoy what they are doing. To produce the best work you need to have zest and a thirst for knowledge. Don’t get stuck between the areas of sure, fine and whatever. That is how you end up doing things you hate well into your retirement.
Passivity - There’s a difference between being agreeable and agreeing to everything. Trust the little internal voice that tells you, “This is a bad idea" Many people suffer from being a lemming, so scared to separate from the pack that they let themselves be lead willingly to their death. Because I greatly enjoy all of you who read this blog I caution you; DON’T EVER BE A LEMMING! Voice your own opinion and have faith in your ideas.
What do you think your biggest obstacle in achieving greatness? Sound off in the comments below.
- Eric
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