Forgetting Yourself to Greatness

E. Stanely Jones once said, "Most people plot and plan themselves into mediocrity, while now and again somebody forgets himself into greatness."  Dr. Jones understood that the blessing of life is not to promote ourselves or our agenda, but to live to make a difference in the lives of others.
 
As I read through various forums, blogs and websites, I'm struck by the number of people and businesses that have lost sight of the fact the service is the key to success.  What you do for a living is irrelevant.  Learning to serve is forgetting yourself and thinking of others first. 
 
Yes, you may provide the best product that has ever been marketed.  Yes, you probably represent the best business model that has ever been devised.  Quite possibly, you have both of these and think you have the best thing since sliced bread.  But, to be genuinely successful you must put others before yourself.
 
Selling a product that is overpriced, regardless of quality, is not serving others.  It may "pad your pocket," but it removes the lining from the pockets of your customers.   
 
Failing to recognize that others may have some valuable ideas and profitable suggestions is not serving others.  I like what Ken Blanchard says in his book Gung Ho, "None of us is as smart as all of us."  There is safety in the multitude of counselors.
 
I challenge each of us to forget ourselves to greatness.  Put others first in every decision.  See if there isn't an immediate benefit.
 
Always make a difference!