Standing On The Shoulders of Giants

As far back as the twelfth century, we trace the use of this wonderful metaphoric expression: “Standing on the shoulders of giants” which was a way to say, “Discovering truth by building on previous discoveries.”

Bernard of Chartres (A French Neo-Platonist philosopher, scholar, and administrator) use to compare us to puny dwarfs perched on the shoulders of giants. He pointed out that "we see more and farther than our predecessors, not because we have keener vision or greater height, but because we are lifted up and borne aloft on their gigantic stature.”

Sir Isaac Newton also wrote, “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Born December 25, 1642 – an English physicist and mathematician who is widely recognized as one of the most influential scientists of all time and as a key figure in the scientific revolution.

Did you know that most successful leaders stand on the shoulders of giants?

It’s true. It applies more than ever in the current transformation of leadership. Leadership is handed down from one leader to another, building the continuation of leadership going back to the time of Christ.

When I was 19, I was so privileged to be coached by Mohammad Hasan Naser-eddin Sahebzamani, researcher, writer, psychologist, teacher, speaker and linguist. He was considered to be one of the most brilliant philosophers in my native country who was not permitted by the government to write, speak or teach.

Despite the censorship, I was fortunate to attend some of his private, small group sessions, and in time, got to know him. He enriched my thinking and helped me understand the value of critical thinking, challenging the status quo, expanding the thought process, not accepting things at face value, learning to explore and delve deeper, and remain humble throughout life. I owe him my gratitude because he enabled me to understand my core values. Eventually I had to leave my country, but will always cherish the wisdom he shared and the path that has led to where I am today. His books are timeless and I still enjoy reading them despite the fact that they were written 35-40 years ago.

My quest for growth and coaching has taken me worldwide to include inspirational leaders such as Les Brown, Brian Tracy, Ron Willingham and Nick Vujicic. In the last several years it has brought me to know Dr. John C. Maxwell and his team. Dr. John C. Maxwell fuels my passion for transformational leadership and teaches that “you cannot just grow older, you got’ ta grow yourself. Stand on the shoulders of giants and learn from the best.”

“A leader is one who sees more than others see, who sees farther than others see and who sees before others see.”

–  Leroy Eims

Now the question is who is coaching or mentoring you? Do you believe in having a coach? Do you see a need? Do you have time to be coached? Can you afford not to have a coach or mentor?

In our rapid paced society, where there isn’t enough time for any one thing, too many distractions, oversaturation, with too many options, maybe it’s time to evaluate what is needed to reach your next goal.

See if any of these indicators apply to you:

• If you feel overwhelmed and never seem to catch up
• If you are not achieving your goals year after year
• If your relationships are affected because of too much work
• You feel you lack getting things accomplished – working harder and not smarter just to survive

If your answer is YES to any of these situations, get help. This isn’t a sales pitch, it’s identifying a common challenge that many people share, with a simple solution.

What is the solution?

1. Become a lifelong learner.
2. Become part of a likeminded, positive group (Mastermind Groups) who can share in your ambition to succeed and get ahead. Be accountable to one another, challenge and share ideas.
3. Hire a coach and stay with it.
4. Take action and stop procrastinating.  Too much time is lost and only you can take ACTION to begin your success.
5. Be intentional with your time. It’s okay to say NO to the things that are not getting you closer to your mission in life and say YES to the things that do.
6. Start planning your "POSITIVE GOALS" for 2019.

The excitement of learning separates youth from old age. As long as you’re learning you’re not old.

– Rosalyn S. Yalow

Let me share what I have learned, standing on the shoulders of giants:

1. They are lifelong learners
2. They give more than they get…they are like a river not reservoir
3. They form good habits and they stay laser focused
4. They put others first
5. They stay humble
6. They feed their soul, spirit and body and maintain a balanced life

Find a successful mentor, coach or a role model and start investing time on your own growth. You will be amazed with what you can accomplish in just the first year.