When we talk about greatness, how do we define it? Is it fame, fortune, and standing in the spotlight? Or is it something deeper? We live in a world where celebrities are often celebrated as “great,” but fame and recognition don’t necessarily equate to true greatness. In fact, many of those we see in the headlines—celebrities, athletes, influencers—may be well-known, but have they actually changed the world? Or are they simply basking in the glow of public attention?
True greatness isn’t about who garners the most applause; it’s about who makes a lasting impact. The people who shape the world, those whose influence is felt long after they’re gone, aren’t always the ones standing in front of a camera. Often, they are the quiet guides—fathers, mothers, friends, teachers, and mentors—who work behind the scenes, investing in others, helping them reach their full potential. They may not be recognized publicly, but their contributions are woven into the fabric of history.
What is Greatness?
Greatness isn’t measured by likes, followers, or fame. It’s measured by the lives you touch, the positive changes you inspire, and the legacy you leave behind. Throughout history, the people who truly changed the world weren’t always the ones basking in the spotlight. Many were the thinkers, mentors, and supporters who built up others, ensuring they had the tools and guidance to achieve great things.
Take Helen Keller, for instance. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential advocates for people with disabilities, overcoming the severe challenges of being both blind and deaf. Keller’s story is nothing short of remarkable, but her success didn’t happen in isolation. Behind her was Anne Sullivan, her teacher and lifelong companion. Sullivan worked tirelessly to break through the barriers that isolated Keller from the world. Her dedication transformed Keller’s life, and in turn, Keller went on to transform the world. Without Sullivan’s quiet but powerful influence, Keller’s story might never have unfolded as it did.
And yet, behind Anne Sullivan was another quiet mentor—Michael Anagnos, the director of the Perkins School for the Blind, who saw potential in Sullivan when others did not. He provided her with the opportunity to study, to teach, and to change Helen Keller’s life. Sullivan’s legacy may have begun with Anagnos’ decision to invest in her. This ripple effect of influence, moving from one quiet individual to the next, ultimately changed the world.
The Subtle Power of Influence
Greatness often unfolds quietly, through small, consistent actions that build over time. Sometimes, those who make the most lasting difference are the ones who work in silence, helping others shine. Consider the contributions of James Clerk Maxwell, a physicist whose work revolutionized our understanding of electromagnetism and laid the foundation for modern physics. His equations underpin technologies we rely on today, from electricity to radio waves. Maxwell’s groundbreaking discoveries continue to impact our lives in countless ways, but his path to greatness was shaped by a lesser-known figure: William Hopkins, a mathematician and mentor who guided Maxwell during his early years at Cambridge.
Hopkins was never celebrated on the same level as Maxwell, but his influence was crucial. He helped sharpen Maxwell’s mathematical abilities and pushed him toward the discoveries that would change the course of science. Hopkins wasn’t in the spotlight, but his quiet guidance was the foundation of Maxwell’s eventual achievements.
This isn’t just about historical figures—each of us has the potential to be a quiet shaper of others. Whether you’re a father raising a child with strong values, a mother nurturing her child’s passions, a teacher sparking curiosity, or a mentor guiding someone through difficult decisions, you have the power to shape the future, even if you don’t see the impact right away.
Starting Where You Are
The beauty of being a quiet guide is that you don’t need to be extraordinary to make a difference. You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment or for your name to be recognized. You can start exactly where you are, with the people around you. Greatness, as we’re defining it here, is about the subtle, meaningful changes you make by supporting and influencing others, whether or not you’re ever acknowledged for it.
Think of the fathers who instill in their children the value of hard work and perseverance, teaching them to never give up. Consider the mothers who tirelessly nurture their children’s growth, even when no one is watching. Friends who show up in tough times, offering words of encouragement, teachers who spark a lifelong passion for learning, or mentors who give their time and wisdom, helping others navigate life’s challenges—these are the people who are making the world better, one relationship, one conversation, one act of kindness at a time.
Reflect and Celebrate the Quiet Influencers in Your Life
As you think about your own life, you can likely identify people who influenced your path, even if their role was subtle or unnoticed at the time. Perhaps it was a teacher who encouraged your curiosity, a friend who stood by you when things got tough, or a mentor who guided you through key decisions. Whoever they were, they played a part in shaping the person you’ve become.
I encourage you to reach out to these people and let them know how they’ve impacted your life. Write them a note, make a phone call, or send them a text. Often, those who have shaped us the most have no idea the effect they’ve had. A simple message of gratitude can mean the world to someone who quietly invested in you.
Greatness Is Not About the Spotlight
It’s easy to believe that making an impact means you need to be in the spotlight. But that’s not the case. True greatness is rarely achieved alone, and it certainly doesn’t require recognition. In fact, some of the most profound impacts happen quietly, behind the scenes. Not everyone needs to be in the spotlight—nor should they be. The quiet supporters of the world are often the ones creating the foundation on which others build their success.
While society tends to glorify those who stand in front of the camera, it’s the people behind the scenes who deserve to be celebrated just as much, if not more. They may never be famous, but their influence is felt in the lives they’ve touched and the legacies they’ve helped build.
Celebrate the Quiet Influencers
As you move through life, it’s important to celebrate those who have quietly shaped you. Think about the people who have been there for you, even if they never asked for recognition. They are the reason you are where you are today, and their influence is priceless. At the same time, recognize the ways in which you are a quiet guide for others. You don’t need to be a celebrity or a world-renowned leader to change lives.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, friend, or mentor, your actions matter. The influence you have—no matter how small it may seem—has the potential to shape someone else’s life in profound ways. You may never see the full impact of what you’ve done, but rest assured, it’s there.
Conclusion: Redefining Greatness
Greatness isn’t defined by fame, titles, or applause. It’s defined by the lives you touch and the positive changes you inspire, often without ever standing in the spotlight. Whether you’re a parent raising the next generation, a teacher nurturing curiosity, a mentor guiding someone toward their potential, or a friend offering quiet support, you have the power to change the world—one person at a time.
Behind every person we consider “great” is a long line of quiet supporters—people who shaped them, guided them, and believed in them. These individuals may not seek recognition, but their legacy is felt through the lives they’ve touched.
We may not all be in the spotlight, but we all have the potential to impact those who are. And that’s the kind of greatness that truly matters.
See you on the mat!
Coach Epps