Everyday Greatness, a Reader's Digest branded anthology published by Thomas Nelson and compiled by David K. Hatch with commentary by Stephen R. Covey, is not a book to be read cover to cover. Rather, it's a source of inspiration, motivation and ideas on how to lead a meaningful life. The short stories and quotations included in this anthology address the positive character traits and concepts that are central to a life well lived. Dr. Covey's commentary serves to tie everything together and provide additional context.

There was a time that Reader's Digest was one of my favorite magazines. You may remember that time; back when it focused on inspirational stories, historical features, health news, profiles of newsmakers and influencers, and a variety of humor and informational features. Back when they lived by the slogan "An article a day of enduring value." Sadly, those days are long gone and Reader's Digest has become largely irrelevant; so much so that it was recently announced that Reader's Digest Association, Inc. would file Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Everyday Greatness proves that Reader's Digest has not completely lost sight of what made them an important touchstone in American culture. Inspirational without being preachy and thought provoking without being academic, Everyday Greatness has earned a spot on my daily reading list and deserves a spot on yours as well.

 

1. It's good to be dumb to the idea that others have tried and failed to succeed with a business like yours; your unique approach may just be the one that makes the difference.
2. It's good to be dumb to the idea that "someone like you" has never achieved what you're striving for; someone has to be first.
3. It's good to be dumb to the idea that you don't have enough education; if you're committed to your goal you'll learn what you need to succeed.
4. It's good to be dumb to the idea that you're not as good as others in your field; it's likely that they were once standing where you are now.
5. It's good to be dumb to the idea that the barrier to entry is too high; no barrier is too high for someone determined to succeed.

Yes, sometimes it's good to be dumb.

If you don't know at least one "look at how many times this famous person failed before he succeeded" tale you really should ask for a refund on your education. Of course, most of us could change that statement to "look how many times I failed before I succeeded." Goodness knows, I could.

So take it from someone who knows: There is no shame in failing. If you're going to put yourself out there, if you're going to try new things and if you're going to attempt to grow and improve you're going to fail. There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, it's a painful but necessary step on your journey to success.

So no, there is no shame in failing. The only shame is in not trying.

Social media experts are a dime a dozen. That's why I generally avoid writing about using social media. I'm making an exception this time, though, in order to proclaim once and for all that there is only one right way to use social media.

Ready? Here it is: Regardless of what you may have been told, the only right way to use social media is in what ever way works for you. If you want to use social media to stay in touch with people you know, then that's the right way to use it. Want to build a network of business contacts? Use it that way. Just don't fall into the trap of thinking that just because some self-proclaimed guru is doing something a certain way then that must be the right way for you to do it.

Here's an example. Not too very long ago, the very influential Guy Kawasaki put forth the idea that the correct way to use Twitter was to follow, and be followed by, as many people as possible. This led to a virtual army of Twitterers racing each other to have the largest community. It didn't take long, however, for many of those who adopted the Kawasaki model to realize that, while amassing sheer numbers might work for Kawasaki and a few others, it wasn't right for them. This has led a number of Twitterers to purge their lists and start building a community that works for them.

That's not to say that anything or everything you read or hear about using social media is wrong. Rather, the lesson is that you should consider what others are doing from the standpoint of whether or not a certain technique makes sense for you. If it does, adopt or adapt it. If it doesn't, ignore it.

It's the only right way.

author: Stephen R. Covey rating: ASIN or ISBN-10: 0743269519 binding: Paperback list price: $15.95 USD amazon price: $31.32 USD

In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, author Stephen R. Covey presents a holistic, integrated, principle-centered approach for solving personal and professional problems. With penetrating insights and pointed anecdotes, Covey reveals a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, service, and human dignity -- principles that give us the security to adapt to change and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates.

Dan Weedin (center front) and Doug Petch (right rear) with the 2008 Varsity Speaking Academy attendees.