Yesterday, my wife emailed me this link about what it takes to be great. Reading this article created an idea that I want to share with you.

In this article Geoffrey uses the words hard work six times to describe the key ingredient to greatness. However, I believe you can achieve greatness without working hard (from your perspective). I’ll explain why in this post.

The hard work he describes only looks like hard work from the outside. To the person working and practicing relentlessly, it isn’t hard work at all. It is action fueled by desire and love. The actions are not forced; they are natural because the person working toward greatness is driven by an intense sense of purpose.

Have you ever had times when you were working toward a goal and time stood still? When you were completely engrossed in the task at hand? These moments are incredibly productive and satisfying, aren’t they? I believe that is how hard work feels to people in the process of becoming great. It’s very different living it than viewing it from the outside.

My wife describes working on her business this way. In fact, she doesn’t even feel that it is work. It is the result of her desire, love, and joy – The desire to give the best possible service and product to her customers, her love of books, and the joy the books bring to people.

I feel the same way about this blog. I love sharing stories and ideas with you. I have an intense desire to improve. I believe that sharing inspiring thought provoking ideas is my purpose in life. And that purpose drives me forward with an energy I’ve never experienced before.

I believe a path to greatness lies within each of us; we just need to discover it.

The path to greatness is not paved with hard work; the path to greatness is paved with desire, love, faith, and joy. It only looks like hard work to those observing your journey.