Ikiquest+ Preview: Way of the Warrior
Greatness redefined as service
Audio narration by David Marlow
Coffee contemplation:
Normally in the Coffee Contemplations, I share a simple reflection to ponder over your morning coffee.
Today I want to go a little deeper, and that's why I'm sharing this with you on a Friday because I want you to go deep with me here now and then go deep with it the rest of the weekend. I also encourage you to listen to the audio version as I share some additional thoughts.
Our world is often fixated on individual achievement and personal recognition. Erwin McManus, in his book ‘The Way of the Warrior,’ offers a perspective on what it means to seek greatness that challenges the mimetic desire for fame and fortune.
"The warrior lives in the paradox between service and greatness. The warrior is always first a servant. Contrary to popular perception, a life of service does not diminish the pursuit of greatness.
The warrior does not serve because they can lead; they know that a person cannot lead if they do not serve. The warrior is indifferent to fame while at the same time is relentlessly pursuing greatness.
They see fame as what you do for yourself and greatness as what you do for others. Greatness is not the absence of humility it is the absence of apathy.
Just as you can be famous and not be great, you can be great and not famous."
Erwin McManus
This perspective challenges conventional notions and encourages us to embrace a paradoxical existence that finds strength in humility, clarity in vulnerability, and significance in selflessness.
To consider greatness through the lens of service is to reevaluate the values shaping our lives. It's an invitation to explore our motivations and aspirations.
What drives us to pursue excellence? Is it the pursuit of recognition and applause, or is it the genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others?
As he describes, the warrior shapes a life that transcends personal boundaries by embodying the principles of humility, focus, ownership, clarity, strength, and vulnerability.
This ethos is a testament to the transformative power of service, where self-discovery and growth flourish in tandem with the upliftment of those around us.
It takes being a warrior out of the realm of being willing to fight and die for others and instead being brave enough to live for them.
🌀 What does greatness through service mean to you?
🌀 How might embracing a servant-first mentality enhance your leadership capabilities and impact those around you?
🌀 Reflect on instances in your life where you've witnessed greatness without the allure of fame. How did these experiences shape your perspective on what it truly means to be great?
🌀 Consider moments when you've felt a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. How were those instances connected to serving others, and how did they align with McManus's perspective on greatness and service?
🌀 How might adopting the warrior's mindset of service and greatness influence the choices you make in your career, the way you approach your professional relationships, and the impact you strive to make in your work?
You can access your Ikiquest+ resources here.
🌀 Can you articulate your Ikigai in a single sentence?
Having an Ikiverse clarifies how to live out your Ikigai.
✅ Being able to state it invites others to support you in your Ikiquest.
The Ikiverse course is available to you as a paid subscriber. Check it out!
