I was sitting down to write my weekly blog when this email popped up from a Rotary friend and globally requested speaker/trainer, Michael Caruso. I couldn’t help myself, I just had to share. I made one adjustment and included the entire quote from Marianne Williamson at the end. Michael can be reached at Michael Caruso michael@michaelangelocaruso.com.
Was he “the greatest?”
People are saying nice things about Muhammad Ali.
The boxer died last week at age 74 and almost every epitaph has referred to him as “the greatest.”
It’s instructional to note that Ali had referred to himself as “the greatest” for decades.
A master at self-promotion, Ali used the catch phrase to create and promote a personal brand, differentiate himself, have fun with reporters, and even get inside the heads of his opponents.
Was it true that Ali was the greatest? It turns out that veracity isn’t the issue.
The art of hyperbole.
Perhaps Ali was the greatest boxer of all time. He certainly was great at self-promotion. And he was a master of hyperbole.
Hyperbole is defined as “exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.”
My dad has also passed on. When people used to ask Mickey how he was doing, dad would smile and say. “I’m perfect and getting better every day.”
Of course, dad knew he wasn’t perfect. So did my mom.
That’s the beauty of hyperbole. The statement may not be true, but positive hyperbole persuades people to think that way.
When Ali started saying he was the greatest, people at first debated it. Then, they got used to hearing it. Meanwhile, Ali actually did some great things. Then they believed it.
Everyone is great at something.
I’ve done hundreds of motivational presentations and keynotes through the years.
The recurring theme in all these talks is that everyone has the capacity for greatness. Some of us have already achieved great things and some of us are about to.
The issue isn’t really that you “are the greatest.” The idea is that you are great!
But when people don’t believe this about themselves, bad things happen. Mediocrity occurs. Apathy sets in. Work teams stall. Companies fail.
Marianne Williamson said, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” [1]
So, be encouraged, head toward the light.
[1] https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17297.Marianne_Williamson
Until next time, remember,-
You are not alone.
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You are not your circumstances.
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You have everything within you to live a purpose-filled life.
is a best selling author, Breakthrough Speaker and Spiritual coach. She has spent the last fifteen years mentoring and coaching those needing direction and support in the areas of life skills, leadership development, effective and efficient communications, and improved self-image. Connect with Tyra to get the support and help you need. Contact Info: Tyra Garlington Email: Tyra@TyraGarlington.com For Bookings and Inquiries: (813) 994-9462 As a Breakthrough Coach, Spiritual Coach and Christian Coach, Tyra offers a variety of breakthrough services including but not limited to: Personal Empowerment Coach :: Spiritual Coaching :: Breakthrough Coaching :: Christian Speaker :: Professional Speaker :: Breakthrough Speaker :: Personal Empowerment Speaker
