The most important variables…

Share this post

“Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.”

John Wooden

This is probably one of my favorite quotes. It states so clearly the danger of this world if you remove just two key variables. Humility and Gratitude. Without either you are going to go astray.

Why do you have your God given gifts and talents? Is it to serve others or serve yourself? If you have fame then how are you using that fame to serve others or impact the world? I would argue that if you aren’t using your gifts to serve then you are treading dangerously close to the definition of conceit.

The minute you believe you are better than someone else, that your life has more value or meaning than another person you have lost your way. My Dad used to tell me that “everyone puts their britches on the same way in the morning. No person is more important or deserves better treatment because of their role or wealth.”

How do you guard against conceit and selfishness?

author avatar
Dusty Holcomb

Share this post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Join the newsletter and never miss a post.

Get Dusty’s leadership wisdom and blog posts straight to your inbox.

Related posts

A group of children carefully planting young seedlings in a garden bed, illustrating the importance of nurturing growth over time. Just like leadership, growth requires patience, care, and the willingness to cultivate potential in others before the harvest is visible.
Uncategorized

Spring: A Season for Planting a New Leadership Growth Mindset

“Spring is far more than just a changing of seasons; it’s a rebirth of the spirit.” Toni Sorenson Spring is ...
Read More
"Runners in a marathon symbolize resilience and the will to win, embodying leadership principles of perseverance, self-discipline, and focusing on what you can control. This image reflects the key themes from 'The Will to Win: How to Build a Legacy That Lasts,' reinforcing the message that success is about mindset, effort, and endurance.
Uncategorized

The Will to Win: How to Build a Legacy That Lasts

“The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel, are the things that endure. These qualities are so ...
Read More
A lone figure stands on a rocky ledge, gazing into a foggy, open landscape—symbolizing uncertainty, self-reflection, and the journey to overcoming doubt.
Growth

Doubt is Lying to You: How to Reclaim Your Confidence and Take Bold Action

Overcoming doubt isn’t about waiting until you feel ready—it’s about recognizing the lies it tells you and moving forward anyway. Doubt will keep you stuck ...
Read More

Join the Newsletter

Sign up for Dusty’s daily leadership inspiration in your inbox.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.