Are you ready to break free from limitations and live the life you truly deserve? In his powerful speech, Les Brown challenges us to stop settling for less and start living with purpose, power, and passion. If you’re ready to take control of your destiny, this is for you.
Don’t Live a Life of Regret
One of the greatest tragedies in life is not death, but a life unlived. Too many people go to their graves with their dreams still inside them because they were too afraid to take action. Les Brown calls this the “virus of mediocrity.”
“Most people are wimps, very tentative, and they don’t believe that they deserve what they want anyhow.” — Les Brown
If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. If you let fear control you, you’ll never take the bold steps necessary for success. Your dreams deserve more than excuses. They deserve action, courage, and commitment.
Action Step: Break free from mediocrity. Decide today that you will no longer settle for “good enough.” Write down your dreams and take the first step toward making them a reality.
You Have Greatness Within You
Les Brown repeatedly emphasizes that you have greatness within you. You have talents, skills, and abilities that you haven’t even begun to explore. But greatness doesn’t just happen—you have to believe in it and act on it.
“You have something special. You have greatness within you.” — Les Brown
No matter your background, your past, or your circumstances, you have the potential to create an extraordinary life. Your story isn’t over yet, and you have the power to write the next chapter.
Action Step: Own your greatness. Stop underestimating yourself. List your strengths, talents, and achievements. Use them as a foundation to build your dreams.
Live with Purpose and Passion
Les Brown challenges us to find our purpose and live with passion. He explains that when you’re not pursuing your purpose, you are literally committing spiritual suicide.
“When you’re not pursuing your goal, you are committing spiritual suicide.” — Les Brown
Your purpose gives your life meaning and direction. It fuels your passion and keeps you going even when things get tough. Without purpose, life becomes mundane and meaningless.
Action Step: Identify your purpose. Ask yourself:
- What makes me come alive?
- What impact do I want to make in the world?
- How can I use my talents to serve others?
Once you find your purpose, pursue it relentlessly. Live with passion and purpose every day.
Say Yes to Your Dreams
Most people never achieve their dreams because they don’t believe they deserve them. Les Brown urges us to say yes to our dreams and stop letting self-doubt hold us back.
“87% of our self-talk is negative. You’ve got to make a conscious, deliberate, determined effort to say yes to your dreams.” — Les Brown
It’s time to change the conversation you have with yourself. Stop doubting your abilities and start believing in your potential. You are capable of greatness.
Action Step: Change your self-talk. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Every day, tell yourself:
- “I am capable.”
- “I deserve success.”
- “I will achieve my dreams.”
The more you believe in yourself, the more you will accomplish.
Be Hungry for Success
Les Brown’s famous line is “You’ve got to be hungry!” He explains that hunger is the driving force behind success. It’s the unrelenting desire to achieve your dreams, no matter the obstacles.
“If you want to reach your goal and have the competitive edge, you’ve got to be hungry.” — Les Brown
Hunger pushes you to go the extra mile. It keeps you going when you’re tired, discouraged, or ready to quit. It’s the difference between those who succeed and those who give up.
Action Step: Fuel your hunger. Set ambitious goals that excite you. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and challenge you to be better. Never lose your hunger for success.
Don’t Settle for Safe
Most people live within their comfort zones, never taking risks or challenging themselves. But greatness requires courage, boldness, and a willingness to take risks.
“There’s no safe position in life. You can’t get out of life alive.” — Les Brown
Playing it safe might keep you comfortable, but it won’t lead to greatness. If you want extraordinary results, you have to be willing to step into the unknown and face your fears.
Action Step: Take bold risks. Identify one area of your life where you’ve been playing it safe. Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and take a bold step forward.
Surround Yourself with Greatness
You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Les Brown teaches that who you surround yourself with influences your mindset, habits, and success.
“If you’re around cynical, negative people all the time, you will become cynical and negative.” — Les Brown
To achieve greatness, you must surround yourself with greatness. Associate with people who inspire you, challenge you, and push you to be better. Your environment shapes your destiny.
Action Step: Upgrade your circle. Evaluate the people in your life. Spend more time with those who uplift and inspire you. Distance yourself from negativity and mediocrity.
Embrace Failure and Keep Going
Les Brown emphasizes that failure is not the end—it’s a stepping stone to success. Every failure teaches you valuable lessons and brings you closer to your dreams.
“You don’t fail because you fall. You fail because you don’t get back up.” — Les Brown
Successful people are not those who never fail, but those who refuse to give up. They learn from their failures, grow stronger, and keep moving forward.
Action Step: Fail forward. Embrace failure as part of the journey. Learn from your mistakes and keep going, no matter how many times you fall. Success belongs to the relentless.
Live with Gratitude and Joy
Les Brown teaches that gratitude and joy are essential for a fulfilling life. No matter your circumstances, there is always something to be grateful for.
“Why do you laugh so much? Because I have joy.” — Les Brown
Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s missing to what you have. It fills your heart with joy and attracts more blessings into your life. Joy is a choice, not a result.
Action Step: Practice gratitude daily. Every morning, write down three things you’re grateful for. Focus on the positives and cultivate a joyful mindset.
Final Thoughts: Step Into Your Greatness
Les Brown’s powerful words remind us that greatness is within us all. But it takes courage, commitment, 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.
Step into your greatness today.
Live your dreams, not your fears.
The world is waiting for your greatness.
Go after it with everything you’ve got.