“A great man is always willing to be little.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Consider these notions:

Those who are great want to be amongst the people, those who are not want to be above them.

Those who are great understand that no matter how much knowledge they have accumulated, there’s an infinite amount still to learn. The others get a bit of knowledge and stop listening.

Those who are great want to teach others how they got to where they are. The others want to keep their secrets to themselves (but what they don’t realize is that the moment they do that they stop growing)

Those who are great stand up for the people, with the people. The others need attention.

Ways to become littler:

1) Be a constant student

Teach when given the opportunity, but learn always. You’d be amazed at how much you can learn from your students.

2) Listen

Truly listen, as if what they’re saying can change your entire world…because it can.

3) Care

Feel what people feel, be there with them, be them.

4) Connect and be a connector

Pay-it-forward at its finest. Listen for ways you can help people connect with other people who can help them.

5) Meditate

All of the Greats are thinkers. Meditation isn’t about clearing your mind of all thoughts, but about focusing on one single thing. Some focus on their breathing, some on challenges they are having, some on the future. Be there with your thoughts and you’ll figure everything out.