Becoming a High School Superstar – Pursuing Greatness
Contributed By - Mallik Reddy
On the greatness path, the ‘becoming’ process signifies the continual process of transforming into who we are meant to be. As we wrap up this series, we will focus on some key dimensions that form both the foundational aspects as well as the culmination of that adventurous journey toward becoming a superstar, not only at school but in all aspects of your life.
Don’t Compete. Excel.
The way most of our institutions and activities are set up, it seems like there are always winners and losers, and someone has to lose for you to win. However, life is not a zero-sum game. While there are aspects that create a sense of competition in many of the things we do, the best way to overcome that is to cultivate a spirit of excellence. Strive to excel at whatever you do, becoming superior to your former self, and aiming to become better than your present. Apply time and energy to being your best, not to compare yourself and fight with others. With that perspective, you can take competition as a source of motivation. In that same vein, don’t imitate others. Rather, inspire others with your hard work, discipline, and commitment, by becoming that role model that your peers will look up to.
Live a Life of Integrity
Who are you when no one is watching? Are you the same person in public and in your private life? What are the five values that best describe or define who you are and what you stand for? Now, rate how well you are living those values. The more closely your private and public selves match, the more you are living your values and the more you are living a life with integrity.
Having the courage to make promises – however small - to others, and cultivating the discipline to keep those commitments, will help you grow in your own eyes and elevate you to your inner superstar status. On the contrary, breaking promises, even those that you make to yourself, albeit small, will impact your confidence and belief systems and take you on the downward spiral.
Be of Service to Others
Paradoxically, the more you give, the more you get. Use your talents, your gifts, to help others, in whatever way you can. You don’t need to solve world hunger or give up all your riches to help others. Make a difference to even one person. Stand up for underdogs. Do random acts of kindness, like holding a door for someone or sharing your lunch with a friend at school or helping someone with homework. Do a fundraiser in your community to support a lost cause. As you practice giving without strings, you also grow into a beautiful individual, while developing the leader in you.
Leave Your Legacy
Each of us is born with a unique potential. Unlike that inanimate rock or the animal without higher consciousness, we can shape our future and leave our distinctive imprint on the world with disciplined focus, consistency, and intelligent effort. By pursuing the path of greatness, we can make the world a better place than we found it.
So, what legacy will you leave behind? How will you live your life so that your loved ones will be proud of you?
Wishing you the best that life can offer as you reflect on these important questions and chart your own course to becoming a superstar, at high school and beyond…
Mallik Reddy is the Founder and Chief Coach of Leadership GYM, a free leadership and personal development program for high school students.
The series "Becoming a High School Superstar", targeted for high school and upper middle school students and their parents, will share strategies, tips, and resources for success in areas highlighted by high achieving and accomplished graduates in the previous series "High-5's with High School Superstars."