Dare Greatly – Characteristics of Being Your Best Self

Are you being the best version of you? Can you do better? Drawing inspiration from the words of author and speaker Chris Widener, let’s explore the traits that define what it takes to excel in what you do and truly dare greatly:

Optimism – To be the best, you must believe there is something better to reach for and that you can get there. Optimists always see the possibility for improvement, driving them to achieve their best.

Vision – The best can see beyond the present moment. They envision a bright future and work towards that vision, embodying Stephen Covey’s principle of “begin with the end in mind.”

Relentless Pursuit of Excellence – Settling for the status quo is not an option. Those who excel strive for excellence in everything they do, going the extra mile to ensure their best effort.

Lifelong Habit of Personal Growth – Personal growth is a continuous journey. The best are committed to improving in all aspects of life – work, intellect, spirituality, and relationships. They actively seek opportunities to learn and grow, taking courses, listening to educational material during commutes, or reading regularly.

Embracing Competition – The best understand that competition drives them to improve. Rather than shying away from it, they welcome it, knowing it pushes them to stay ahead and achieve more.

Leadership – The best strive to make a difference. They embrace the responsibilities of leadership and equip themselves with the skills needed to lead others to better outcomes.

Legacy Building – Success is not just personal. The best aim to build something that benefits others, leaving a legacy that extends beyond their own achievements.

Effective Time and Personal Management – The best prioritize important tasks and execute them efficiently, ensuring they focus on what truly matters.

Building Relationships – Achievement is never accomplished alone; it’s a collaborative effort. The best build strong relationships by treating others well, helping them, and creating a supportive network that propels everyone forward.

Accountability – Excuses are not part of the equation. When they fail, the best admit it, learn from it, and move forward. They let their actions speak louder than words.

Striving for the Best – Settling for “good” is not enough. The best recognize that “good” can be the enemy of “best.” They continuously push beyond good to achieve excellence.

Daring to Dream – While many settle for a routine life, the best dare to dream big. They take calculated risks to achieve their dreams. They step out, and step into the arena, as highlighted in the words of Theodore Roosevelt:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the one who points out how the strong stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the one who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends oneself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

By embodying these characteristics, you can achieve excellence in all areas of life and become the best version of yourself. Dare greatly and inspire others to do the same.

Learn more about becoming the best version of you as you dare greatly. Contact Betty Franklin, RN, Mental Fitness and Wellbeing Specialist, Coach, Educator and Author at betty@bettyfranklin.com