If you want to achieve greatness, you need to master self-motivation. According to legendary motivational speaker Les Brown, success is not about luck or talent—it’s about relentless action, discipline, and a commitment to excellence.
Develop Technical Mastery
One of the first lessons Les Brown teaches is the importance of technical mastery. Whatever you do, aim to be the best at it. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an artist, or an athlete, becoming a master of your craft sets you apart.
“You want to develop technical mastery. You want to be the best at what you do. You want to master it.” — Les Brown
Les emphasizes that self-motivation starts with a strong sense of competence. When you’re good at what you do, you build confidence and a reputation for excellence. But remember, you’re not competing with anyone else. Your only competition is who you were yesterday.
Action Step: Set high personal standards and strive to be the best version of yourself. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Focus on your growth, your goals, and your potential.
Be Relentless and Fearless
Success is not for the faint-hearted. Les Brown stresses the need to be relentless and fearless in the pursuit of your dreams. Life is not going to hand you opportunities on a silver platter. You have to go out there and claim what’s yours.
“I refuse to be denied. I’m going to go all out. I don’t care how many ‘no’s’ I encounter.” — Les Brown
Most people give up after the first rejection or failure. But greatness belongs to those who keep going, who get up every time they fall. Les reminds us that persistence beats resistance.
Action Step: Commit to being relentless. Decide that no matter how many times you hear “no,” you will keep pushing forward. Refuse to be denied. Go all out.
Take Action Without Waiting for Perfection
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting for the perfect moment. They wait for the stars to align, for the conditions to be just right. But according to Les Brown, there is no perfect moment.
“Don’t wait around for things to be just right. Don’t wait for things to be perfect. It will never be ideal.” — Les Brown
There will always be excuses—lack of money, lack of time, fear of failure. But waiting for the perfect moment is just a way to justify inaction. Successful people take action, even when it’s uncomfortable or uncertain.
Action Step: Start now, not later. Take the first step, even if you’re not ready. Progress comes from action, not from waiting. Perfection is the enemy of progress.
Believe It Before You See It
Les Brown teaches that belief is the foundation of success. Most people live by the motto, “If I can see it, I’ll believe it.” But Les challenges us to believe it first, even when no one else does.
“If you believe it, you can see it. Don’t be disturbed because no one else can see it.” — Les Brown
The journey to greatness is often lonely. People might not understand your vision. They might criticize you or doubt your abilities. But their doubts have nothing to do with your potential. Your dreams are your responsibility.
Action Step: Protect your vision. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and distance yourself from negativity. Even if you’re the only one who believes in your dreams, that’s enough.
Be Unreasonable for Extraordinary Results
Ordinary people live by reason. They follow the status quo, play it safe, and avoid risks. But Les Brown challenges us to be unreasonable if we want extraordinary results.
“If you want unreasonable results in your life, you’ve got to be willing to be unreasonable.” — Les Brown
Being unreasonable means believing in possibilities that others can’t see. It means calling forth things that don’t exist as though they already do. It’s about faith, vision, and courage.
Action Step: Be bold and audacious. Dream big and pursue your goals with passion. Don’t settle for mediocrity. Dare to be different.
Find a Cause Larger Than Yourself
One of the most powerful keys to self-motivation is finding a cause bigger than yourself. Les Brown explains that when you work for something beyond personal gain, you find purpose, drive, and fulfillment.
“Find a cause larger than yourself. Find something you can contribute to. Make a difference because you can.” — Les Brown
When you serve a purpose greater than your own ambitions, you tap into a deeper level of motivation. You wake up with a sense of mission, and you become unstoppable.
Action Step: Identify your “why.” Find a cause or purpose that drives you. Whether it’s impacting your community, supporting your family, or changing the world—let your purpose fuel your actions.
Make Your Dreams a Priority
Les Brown emphasizes the importance of making your dreams a priority. Just like airlines prioritize moving passengers safely, you must prioritize your goals to reach your destination.
“If you want to honor your commitment, make sure you make it important. Make it a priority.” — Les Brown
Too often, people treat their dreams like optional hobbies. But success requires dedication, focus, and sacrifice. If you don’t make your dreams a priority, distractions will take over.
Action Step: Set clear priorities. Decide what matters most and organize your life around it. Eliminate distractions, manage your time wisely, and protect your focus.
Take Small, Consistent Steps
Les Brown teaches that greatness isn’t built overnight. It’s the result of small, consistent actions over time. He shares his own journey of starting with just 10 sit-ups and 10 push-ups and gradually increasing to 50.
“I started out small. Now I’m up to 50. If I tried to do 50 starting out, I wouldn’t still be doing it.” — Les Brown
The key is to start small but start now. Small steps build momentum, and momentum leads to transformation.
Action Step: Take one small action today. Whether it’s exercising, learning a new skill, or working on your passion project, start small and be consistent. Progress is built one step at a time.
Keep Your Commitments
Les Brown teaches that your commitments shape your identity. If you constantly break your promises to yourself, you weaken your self-esteem and confidence.
“When you don’t keep your commitments, it depletes your self-esteem. It erodes your self-image.” — Les Brown
Success requires integrity and discipline. It’s about doing what you said you would do, even when it’s hard. When you honor your commitments, you build trust in yourself and others.
Action Step: Honor your word. Keep your commitments, no matter how small. Build a reputation for reliability and consistency. Let your actions speak louder than your words.
Final Thoughts: Live with Purpose and Passion
Les Brown’s powerful words remind us that greatness is within us all. But it takes self-motivation, discipline, and relentless action to bring it to life.
You have the power to shape your destiny. You have the strength to overcome obstacles, the courage to pursue your dreams, and the passion to live with purpose.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Don’t wait for permission. Start today.
Be relentless. Be fearless. Be unreasonable.
Because greatness belongs to those who refuse to give up.