The Myth of Extraordinary

Jack was a normal boy before he climbed the beanstalk. Alice was a normal girl before she went down the rabbit hole. Dorothy was an ordinary Kansas girl until she went to Oz.

Modern stories often feature extraordinary heroes. But ordinary heroes give us hope.

“People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.” Sir Edmund Hillary – First to climb Mt. Everest.

How to Find People Who Become Extraordinary

#1. Look for People Who Don’t Feel Exceptional

Superhero stories begin with power. Classic adventures begin with ordinary people.

Shrek wanted to be left alone. Bilbo Baggins had to be persuaded. Luke Skywalker initially rejected the call because of family obligation.

Extraordinary people don’t begin strong; they develop as they go.

#2. Look for People Who Rise

Don’t fall in love with talent.

Remarkable people rise to challenges.

Angela Duckworth found that achievement requires more than talent. Grit grows through four things: interest, practice, purpose, and hope.

Greatness isn’t an identity. It develops through attitudes and behaviors.

Recommended Reading: Grit by Angela Duckworth & Talent Is Overrated by Geoff Colvin.

#3. Look for People with Servant Hearts

People obsessed with greatness often focus on themselves. People obsessed with serving turn toward need. Look for people who:

• Keep commitments.
• Take responsibility.
• Use power to lift others.
• Work when no one notices.

The myth of extraordinary is that people begin at exceptional. They don’t. They answer the call, rise to challenges, and serve others.

You didn’t begin at exceptional. Don’t expect others to.

How do people rise to remarkable leadership?

The Glory of Leadership – Leadership Freak