How to Be Great? Just Be Good, Repeatably

Greatness isn't a momentary flash of luck; it's the result of many small, repeatable actions that compound over time. The author argues that true greatness is earned by building habits that you can sustain day after day, not by chasing overnight success. By treating greatness as a habit rather than a headline, leaders can focus on the process that delivers lasting impact.

The piece stresses that consistency beats flashiness. It contrasts easy choices-waking up whenever you feel like it, jumping between side projects, or abandoning relationships at the first hurdle-with disciplined actions such as rising at 6 AM, committing to a long-term project, or investing in a partnership for years. These examples illustrate how predictable effort, even when modest, creates a reliable foundation for growth, while sporadic bursts rarely lead to sustainable results.

Intentional inputs drive reliable outputs. The author uses a sales example: one rep lands a $1 M deal then stalls, while another builds a modest $100 K pipeline that compounds month over month, ultimately delivering far greater revenue. This highlights that understanding which actions yield the best results lets leaders iterate toward higher performance, rather than relying on luck or isolated wins.

Finally, the article introduces a habit of progression: iterating quickly, testing ideas, and then doubling down on what works. By treating each month as a series of small experiments, leaders can see two steps ahead, avoid the hedonic treadmill, and build a career trajectory that climbs steadily. The practical takeaway for technical leaders is to design repeatable processes, measure inputs versus outcomes, and stay disciplined through the inevitable lows, turning consistency into a competitive advantage.