The Simple Daily Choice That Makes You Great (Start Here)
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In our rush toward big goals and getting things done, it’s easy to overlook the true source of greatness: the simple, daily choices you make. The path to becoming truly great isn't about one heroic leap, but about stringing together small, intentional moments of excellence every single day.
This post will explore how you can immediately start implementing "The Greatness Standard" in your life, using the powerful principle of the "Memorial Portion" to transform your chores, work, and relationships.
Why True Greatness Isn't Found in Heroics
When we think of "greatness," we often picture a CEO, a championship athlete, or a world-famous philanthropist. But the foundation for that kind of success is built long before the spotlight hits.
As the saying goes, "He who is faithful with little will be faithful with much, [and] will be given much". The quickest way to get to the next level in any area of your life is to make the most of your current level where you are right now.
The core idea is this: You can make a choice to do something great today.
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Doing the dishes is a regular thing, but you can choose to do them in a great way, with excellence and presence.
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Cleaning your room or doing your homework can be treated as mundane chores, or as opportunities to practice the habits of excellence.
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Showing up in your family can be passive, or you can choose to be present and great for them.
It’s in these small, unsung moments that you build confidence and establish a standard that others—including God—begin to notice.
The Solomon Principle: People Notice the Small Things
The Bible gives a perfect example of this in the story of King Solomon. God had promised to make him great. When the Queen of Sheba came to visit, what impressed her wasn't just the sheer size of his kingdom, but the details.
She observed:
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The way his table was set.
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How his servants were dressed.
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She saw all the little things that demonstrated his standard of excellence.
She realized that the greatness she been told about was far more impressive in person because of the high standard he applied to every detail.
If you apply a high standard to the "little things"—like taking the time to properly fold the corners of a game box or picking up a small piece of trash on the floor—you reveal a deep, trustworthy character.
Overcoming Procrastination with the "Memorial Portion"
So, how do you start applying this greatness when you feel overwhelmed, lack time, or just want to procrastinate? The answer is to use the principle of the "Memorial Portion".
In the Old Testament, the "Memorial Portion" was just a small handful of grain that the priest burned as an offering to God. It was a tiny first step—a remembrance of a greater covenant.
Today, your Memorial Portion is one small, single step that you take in the right direction as a remembrance that God's grace is more than enough.
Here are ways you can apply this simple choice:
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For Overwhelm: If you have a huge project and don't know where to start, do the first five minutes of work with total excellence and presence.
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For Motivation: If you don't want to do your workout or a certain task, do one repetition with perfect form, or write one paragraph with focus and presence.
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For Lack of Time: If you feel too busy to slow down and do something well, take a minute to do one small, right thing (like putting something away or folding the box neatly) as a remembrance that God gives you more than enough time.
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For Relationships: Instead of complaining about a spouse's pet peeve, take a moment to cherish them by doing that one thing in a great way with no expectations.
The miracles of the Bible—multiplying fish and loaves, sustaining Elijah and the widow—all started with a small act of faith, a small beginning, or a "Memorial Portion".
Be Quick, But Don't Hurry: The Time Paradox
You might think that doing things in a great way takes too much time. You’re right—it often requires you to slow down and be more present.
However, there is a powerful paradox at work:
When you take the time to do things right and with excellence, God has a way of expanding time for you. You may get more done than you thought was possible, simply because you chose quality and presence over frantic rushing.
Basketball coach John Wooden used to say, "Be quick, but don't hurry". Do things as quickly and efficiently as possible, but with peace, presence, and focus, not frantic energy, so that it becomes an act of worship.
Your Simple Daily Choice Today
Greatness is not a talent you are born with; it is a standard you choose to adopt. It is the simple, daily choice to connect with God and allow His greatness to flow through you and into the small tasks of your day.
Start by identifying just one small thing you typically rush or neglect. Today, commit to doing that one thing with a spirit of excellence—as your Memorial Portion.
Your greatness is built, one small, great choice at a time.