Have you ever expected so much from something but when you finally got it, the satisfaction was not there? Have you ever loved the advertisement of a product but your experience of using that product was not favourable? Maybe you have held someone in high esteem, but after a close contact, you were left disappointed? All of these are symptoms of the same problem- overrated packaging. We work so hard to create an impression that we neglect to build a reputation.  Take note of the word “build” because it implies a process of developing something from a foundation.

Glamour seems to have become the definition of success; so, a less glamourous activity is considered less successful. When you meet a friend you haven’t seen in ages, you spend the first few minutes assessing each other to determine who is more successful. You compare your jobs, cars, families, etc.

One of the reasons people think they are not making progress or that they are not successful is that they focus on great events instead of great deeds. Great events are characterized by crowds and glamour and they involve public displays. On the other hand, great deeds are valuable contributions made without deliberate need for publicity. Great deeds can even be done in secret and to a single person. Many people want to be celebrated, but not everyone that is celebrated deserves it. Here are a few differences between great deeds and great events:

1. Great events without great deeds are but a mirage, but great deeds always result in great events. Burj Khalifa is reputed to be the tallest building in the world; standing at 2, 722 ft. The building has 163 floors and has won not less than 17 awards with respect to its height. The design of its fountain system cost Dh 800 million (US$217 million), which is illuminated by 6,600 lights and 50 coloured projectors. The official launch ceremony featured 10,000 fireworks, with light beams projected on the building. That was a great event! But do you know that several great deeds went into the building, that were less glamourous? There were several bits here and there such as plumbing, electrical fittings etc. But let’s talk about the foundation. While I will not go into the technical details, over 58, 900 cu yd of concrete, weighing over 120, 000 short tons were used in constructing the concrete and steel foundation. The construction took about 22 million man-hours. That, I believe, is the great deed. As we celebrate the building, we are quick to forget the foundation, without which the building cannot stand. Invest in great deeds and your great events will be guaranteed.
2. If you focus on the multitude, you will miss the individuals; yet, every multitude is a collection of individuals. Imagine a great shop that has thousands of customers; a lot of efforts must have been put into making it that great. Now imagine that a new manager is appointed who is unpleasant to customers. In his mind, he thinks there are several customers, but once a customer leaves due to dissatisfaction, then another one will leave, then the next, until the business closes up. Treat multitudes as one person and one person as a multitude. Your niceness to one customer (a great deed) may save your business (a great event). When great deeds are sacrificed for great events, you will stand before a crowd and be celebrated by paparazzi, but be condemned by individuals who know you.

Thanks for reading my article today. I would really love to hear from you. So, do share your views with me by sending SMS to 07034737394, visiting www.olanreamodu.com and following me on twitter @lanreamodu. Remember, you are currently nothing compared to what you can become. This can be your year if you want it to be!