good vs great

I was thinking the other day about what makes the difference between those who achieve some good things in their lives, and those who achieve greatness, and it seems to me that the difference is not in the major decisions, but in the little ones. Part of the thought started because I'm struggling on a regular basis (especially at the moment, because it's cold, dark and raining) to be motivated to go to the gym - I'd really rather stay at home in the warmth (especially this week when I'm crook).

What strikes me is that the genesis of greatness is in the small decisions such as when you are lying in bed thinking "do I stay here for an extra 1/2 hour, where it's warm, dry, sleepy or do I get up and spend the extra time doing (insert something here)".

For athletes, it's the difference between choosing to stay at training a little bit longer when your body is already aching, and taking extra shots before or after practice, doing extra runs, or deciding to go in when everyone else does.

For musicians, it's the difference between choosing to go over the song that extra time, making sure that every note is covered, or deciding to go through the songs once or twice until you've got them under control.

For parents, it's the difference between choosing to spend that extra bit of time watching something you don't want to, reading that extra story, lying on their bed that little bit longer, playing for that extra 5 minutes, or deciding to do what you want (need?) to do.

For Jesus-followers, it's the difference between choosing to stop and listen, reflecting on the Words you've just read, making a conscious effort to make someone else feel loved, or deciding that you've done your devotion, you've served all day, and you want to put your feet up.

Note that in all of those things, the 2nd choice is not at all a cop-out - those people are putting in, most definitely. But greatness seems to come from making the small decisions to go that little bit further, do that little bit extra, give up that little bit more.