Great deeds versus great events (2)

I’m excited to welcome you again to this column. In the first part of this article, we discussed the disappointment we feel when we have a high expectation of something and end up with less after the actual experience. People tend to focus excessively on packaging and the outward appearance at the expense of true quality. A profound statement attributed to Abraham Lincoln reads, “Character is like a tree and reputation its shadow. The shadow is what we think it is and the tree is the real thing”. The outward appearance that is characterised by crowd and glamour is the great event while the invaluable efforts behind the scene are the great deeds. Last time, we looked at two differences between great deeds and great events drawing our illustration from the construction of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. I will give the two points a honourable mention and then go on to discuss other differences:

• Great events without great deeds are but a mirage, but great deeds always result in great events.
• If you focus on the multitude, you will miss the individuals; yet, every multitude is a collection of individuals.
• We wait for great events but neglect great deeds, so we wait forever. If you have never been employed in your life, yet you refuse ‘low paying’ jobs or volunteer opportunities because you are waiting for the million dollar job, you may wait forever. That is because the job that pays well will require years of experience, which you refuse to acquire because you are busy waiting for the money. If you have never successfully managed a thousand naira, how would you ever be accountable or responsible when you have a million naira?
• Many people believe they need great events as opportunities to showcase their great deeds, but great deeds are only created by great events. You may dream of what you would do if you become the president of your country, but I suggest you start doing something in your ward or local government. You may decide not to assist people in your community because you are reserving your energy till the time you govern a state, but only your track record can convince people that you can be trusted with greater responsibilities. Imagine you have never taken time to be trained as a public speaker; you have never spoken to a group of children not to mention adults. Yet, you are hoping to be invited to deliver a speech in an international gathering of world leaders! If that hope ever becomes a reality, the outcome may not be desirable. I once heard a speaker say that he spent several years practicing and making mistakes, now he speaks like a professional. People didn’t see him practice but they are now available to celebrate his excellence.
• The relationship between great deeds and great events is a continuum. First you start to do great deeds, after a while, you are recognised and celebrated. Then you begin to do great deeds at another level, and you are celebrated again. That is how the great become greater and the greater become the greatest. Your aim should be to make your little contribution; but as you do it with passion and excellence, you will definitely be noticed. Just like you don’t climb a tree from the top, there is always a price for greatness.

Thanks for reading my article today. I would really love to hear from you. So, do share your views with me by sending SMS to 07034737394, visiting www.olanreamodu.com and following me on twitter @lanreamodu. Remember, you are currently nothing compared to what you can become. This can be your year if you want it to be!