When I first started this blog I had already accepted the fact it wouldn’t have explosive popularity and grow from one follower (my mom) to millions in a matter of months.
Why had I accepted this reality? Well it’s quite simple…my message isn’t sensational…there’s no soundtrack, no explosions and no A class actor doing backflips to dodge bullets.
In fact, my followers would actually have to read, comprehend and then reflect.
So…if there’s reading involved my audience has just been dramatically reduced.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) the percentage of adults who read literature declined from 56 percent to 47 percent from 1982 to 2002. This study was done 10 years ago before texting was normal and Facebook was invented. I doubt these numbers have rebounded since then, but for the sake of simplicity, let’s just assume 50% of all adults read literature.
Now, it’s one thing to read, but there is a completely different outcome to read and comprehend. The comprehension factor alone automatically cuts out another 75% of the world’s literate population. (Considering that statistic only 25% of all readers truly comprehend what they just read)
So…to be clear…only 50% of all adults read literature and only 25% of them truly understand what they read.
But…the job is not done yet, because true change and growth requires reflection.
Once you’ve read and comprehend…do you reflect?
I wonder how many people are now cut out of that 25%?
That leads me to my next question…
Once the remaining few reflect…how many people in this elite minority follow-up with ACTION after reflection and DO?
The reality here saddens me…but very few of the ‘few’ DO!
Instead the majority of us revel in a moment of motivation and inspiration that dissipates like morning dew, leaving us to quickly returning to the mundane routines we enslave ourselves too.
Then we see GREATNESS and wonder to ourselves, “What did they DO that was so different from me?”
…not even realizing that the answer to our question lies within the question.
DO different!
…and for a start ‘DO different’ would be to read, comprehend, reflect and then take ACTION and DO!
This is the formula that differentiates excellence from mediocrity and success from just persisting to exist.
That leaves only two more questions:
- Will you be a part of the masses of mediocrity?
- Will you be a part of the few that DO?
After all it really is up to you…
As for me…I will strive to be in the few that DO and I hope you will too!
Related link from Havard Business Review: For Those Who Want to Lead, Read
About the Author:
Linal Harris
Global Entrepreneur – Certified Life Coach – Media Personality – Speaker
Linal Harris is a global entrepreneur, certified life coach, author, and media personality. As the founder of Inspirational Perspective® Publishing, LLC and Insights 4 Life™ Coaching, LLC, Harris challenges his global audience and coaching clients to Murder Mediocrity® and live their best life possible. Harris concentrates his work as an ontological coach with clients on what he calls the 4 pillars of life; the relationship we have to ourselves, the relationships we have with others, our relationship to work and money, and the connection we have to our spirit and life’s purpose. Harris coaches CEO’s, executives, entrepreneurs, athletes and celebrities. Harris is the author of “Slay Your Goals”, where he provides his readers with scientific and research backed tips for achieving their goals. Harris is an expert goal-setter and has been called upon by Fortune 500 companies to assist with setting their strategic priorities, facilitate goal-setting sessions and provide inspirational talks.
To stay connected, be sure to follow me on the following social media outlets by hitting the links below:
For daily inspiration – text “INSPIRED” to 43783 – Enrollment is free!
So true!
BE,DO,HAVE….Great post on this classic formula
When my daughter graduated with her Masters with a 4.0, the President of the University interviewed her and he asked her…”I make a study of young people who do extremely well and always, without a doubt, those who read, comprehend and think are those most successful. You said you learned to do all three early. How did that make the difference for you?” My daughter’s response…”My mother told me from Kindergarten forward…Read, Shannon. The readers of the world own the world and I do not mean materially. “Readers and Learners are the guardians of the Spirit”. Small minds read small or not at all. There is something to be learned from every book you pick up. Read it, learn something and move forward with new and open thoughts. She read to me before I was born. I entered this world with a love of reading and learning and thinking”
I love your blogs Linal. They remind of me of my purpose, or kick my butt…which ever is needed for the day. Today, I remembered my purpose. Thanks
If more of us DO perhaps those who DON’T will start DOing which can encourage those who don’t get it to try to comprehend….. perhaps! I live hoping! Great Read!