The 12 Traits of the Great
“Every one of us started life as a baby with wrinkled skin, closed eyes, and a great pair of lungs.”
Reviewer: David Oletu (DCM)
Book Title: The 12 Traits of the Greats: The Twelve Undeniable Qualities of Uncommon Achievers, and How You Can Master Them in Your Life…RIGHT NOW!
Book Author: Dave Martin
Publisher: Harrison House Publishers (May 7, 2013)
Page: 288 pages
ISBN-10: 1606837486
ISBN-13: 978-1606837481
Dr. Dave Martin, renowned as America’s #1 Christian success coach, offers a profound insight in his book ‘The 12 Traits of the Greats’.
He notes,
“Every one of us started life as a baby with wrinkled skin, closed eyes, and a great pair of lungs.
Then, due to the decisions we made along the way, some of us grew up to be less than impressive while others among us grew to change the world.
And while some started the climb to greatness at a very early age, others didn’t even start the journey until they were old.”
The 12 Traits of the Great
This thought-provoking statement sets the stage for an inspiring exploration of the common traits and habits that distinguish individuals who have made a lasting impact.
In ‘The 12 Traits of the Greats’, Dr. Dave Martin delves into the essential characteristics that distinguish exceptional individuals,
providing guidance on how to cultivate these traits in our own lives.
By examining the fundamental principles of greatness, he reveals what sets remarkable people apart.
Through inspiring real-life examples and stories of achievers, Martin illustrates the path to greatness.
Most importantly, he emphasizes that every person is born with an innate potential for greatness, stating,
“Every child born into the world is born with a seed of greatness that can be awakened and nurtured through proper thinking and persistent effort.”
This empowering message underscores the book’s purpose: to help readers unlock their own greatness.
The 12 Traits of the Great
In Chapter One of ‘The 12 Traits of the Greats’, Dr. Dave Martin explores the vital trait of ‘Responsibility’.
He asserts that taking responsibility is a foundational quality essential for achieving success, emphasizing that we must own up to every aspect of our lives.
Dr. Martin acknowledges that assuming responsibility can be challenging in today’s world,
where we’re often conditioned to blame external circumstances and others for our dissatisfaction.
However, he stresses that we can’t escape accountability,
citing the profound truth that if God will hold us accountable for our lives, we can’t justify blaming others or circumstances for our outcomes.
Dr. Martin argues that we have no excuses and must take ownership of our lives.
He then delves into practical guidance on how to begin embracing responsibility and shaping our own destiny.
In Chapter 2 of ‘The 12 Traits of the Greats’, Dr. Dave Martin delves into the power of ‘Mindset’, exploring how our belief system shapes our experiences.
He illustrates this concept with a relatable example of how two people can view the same thing, yet perceive it differently.
This highlights how our mindset influences our motivations and actions.
Interestingly, this chapter aligns with World Positive Thinking Day, September 13th, which encourages a positive outlook.
Dr. Martin takes it a step further,
demonstrating how a positive mindset enables individuals to overcome adversity, resist temptations, and make sacrifices to achieve greatness.
He emphasizes the importance of self-belief, stating that to achieve success, we must begin with unwavering confidence in our abilities.
Regardless of external circumstances or others’ opinions, we must believe in ourselves.
This empowering message resonates deeply, encouraging readers to cultivate a positive mindset to unlock their potential.
In Chapter 3, Dave Martin explores the transformative power of ‘Passion’, describing it as the engine that drives our lives.
This chapter resonates deeply in today’s world, where people often prioritize quick wealth over passion and purpose.
However, Martin argues that passion is the fuel that propels individuals towards achievement, excellence, and fulfilment in their chosen fields.
Passionate people are the catalysts for real change, leading and innovating in their industries with a shared love for their work.
This love not only brings personal and financial rewards but also positively impacts others.
As Martin emphasizes, finding passion in life is the single most important predictor of future success and significance.
Without passion, making a remarkable impact becomes a daunting task.
This chapter highlights the importance of embracing our passions to unlock our full potential and create meaningful change in the world.
In Chapter 4, Dave Martin explores the powerful role of ‘Imagination’ in shaping our future.
He notes that often, we fail to vividly envision the life we desire, leading to a sense of impossibility and stagnation.
Drawing on James 1:6-8, Martin highlights the importance of clarity and focus in achieving our goals.
Just as the scripture describes a double-minded person as unstable, many individuals today lack direction, drifting aimlessly and reacting to life’s circumstances.
Martin argues that a primary reason for failure is the lack of clear desires and defined goals.
He emphasizes that we must first decide what we want out of life before we can move towards it.
Martin then shares practical insights on harnessing the power of imagination to bring our dreams to reality,
encouraging readers to take a bold step towards creating the life they truly desire.
The 12 Traits of the Great
In Chapter 5, Dave Martin sheds light on the vital importance of ‘Relationships’ in achieving success.
In an era where individuals often pride themselves on being self-sufficient,
Martin’s message serves as a timely reminder that no one person possesses all the knowledge or skills necessary to reach their goals alone.
He reveals a profound truth: that our accomplishments are often dependent on the support and contributions of others.
Emphasizing that no individual is an island, Martin stresses that even the most self-reliant among us need others to achieve greatness.
He believes that recognizing this interdependence is a crucial lesson that successful people learn early on,
and integrate into their strategy for achievement.
Through numerous examples, Martin illustrates how nurturing positive relationships can propel us towards greatness,
and highlights the importance of cultivating and valuing these relationships.
In Chapter 6, Dave Martin explores the crucial importance of ‘Focus’ in achieving success.
This timely message serves as a wake-up call, reminding us that in today’s world, filled with countless distractions,
a lack of focus can lead to destabilization and hinder our progress.
Martin argues that a concentrated approach to goal achievement is far more effective than a haphazard one.
Through various illustrations and real-life stories, he demonstrates that phenomenal success is the direct result of a focused life.
He emphasizes that without a clear target, we risk scattering our efforts in multiple directions, wasting energy and resources.
Martin’s message is clear: focus is essential to hitting our mark and achieving our goals.
In Chapter 7, Dave Martin ignites our motivation with the empowering subject of ‘Courage’, urging us to take action and turn our dreams into reality.
He emphasizes that dreaming big is not enough; it’s the courage to act that sets us apart.
Martin notes that we often celebrate heroic acts and successful lives,
but overlook the fact that both courage and success are rooted in action.
He encourages us to embrace imperfect action, as even unplanned steps can lead to remarkable outcomes.
Martin challenges us to move beyond mere talk, planning, and preparation, and instead, cultivate the courage to act.
He reminds us that active individuals make things happen, and with courage, we can overcome procrastination and achieve our goals.
As Martin succinctly puts it, ‘Get up, get going, and just do it!'”
In Chapter 8, Dave Martin highlights the crucial role of ‘Persistence’ in achieving greatness.
He notes that even with courage, we can easily give up when faced with obstacles, but persistence helps us push through.
Martin argues that when all else is equal, persistence is the key differentiator that sets high achievers apart.
As others quit, the persistent individual will prevail, ultimately reaching their goals.
Martin emphasizes that our ability to stay focused despite setbacks reveals our level of self-belief.
He acknowledges that uncertainty is inevitable,
but with unrelenting desire and tenacity, we can navigate life’s challenges and adapt to change.
Martin therefore states that persistence is a defining trait of the truly remarkable, separating those who merely survive from those who thrive.
Stay persistent! Glory awaits the persistent.
The 12 Traits of the Great
In Chapter 9, Dave Martin explores the essential role of ‘Integrity’ in achieving true greatness.
He emphasizes that talent, big dreams, and a bold mindset are not enough; it’s our character that ultimately defines us.
Martin reveals a profound truth: those with exceptional abilities or charm can disappoint us if their character is lacking.
He notes that during our journey to greatness, character is the anchor that gives us hope, as stated in Romans 5:3-4.
Romans 5:3-4 KJV
[3] And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
[4] and patience, experience; and experience, hope:
https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.5.3-4.KJV
Martin argues that character is more crucial than attractiveness or personality, as it lies at the heart of leadership and greatness.
He stresses that our actions and words demonstrate our inner character every day.
In this chapter, Martin urges us to prioritize integrity, doing what is right in every situation, regardless of circumstances.
He reminds us that integrity is simply about doing the right thing, consistently and authentically.
In Chapter 10, Dave Martin explores the vital importance of ‘Adaptability’ in navigating an ever-changing world.
He emphasizes that embracing adaptability is crucial for our journey to greatness.
Through relatable stories, Martin illustrates the power of adaptability,
defining it as the ability to sense shifts in circumstances and proactively adjust to capitalize on new opportunities.
He distinguishes adaptability from conformity,
highlighting that adaptability stems from confidence and self-trust, whereas conformity arises from fear.
Martin stresses that adaptability is key to growth and success, as great individuals recognize that change is inevitable and embrace it willingly.
They understand that the world is constantly evolving, and to remain relevant, they must adapt and evolve too.
Martin urges us to be open to change, to start making necessary adjustments today,
and to embrace the transformation that will enable us to become the person God wants us to be tomorrow.
The 12 Traits of the Great
In Chapter 11, Dave Martin explores the pivotal role of ‘Wisdom’ in achieving greatness.
He highlights that while adaptability is crucial, wisdom is the foundational quality that underlies all other attributes of great achievers.
Martin emphasizes that wisdom is the driving force behind transformation,
enabling individuals to change, grow, and modify their perceptions, abilities,
and insights to shape their circumstances, opportunities, and destiny.
He stresses that true wisdom leads to intentional action, fueled by new knowledge and understanding of what truly matters.
Martin draws inspiration from Luke 2:52, where Jesus’ growth is described as encompassing both stature and wisdom.
He urges us to prioritize wisdom in our daily pursuits, starting now,
and to recognize that wisdom is the catalyst for meaningful change and progress in our lives.
As we culminate our journey through the 12 Traits of the Great, Dave Martin reminds us that true greatness is not just about achieving success,
but about using our blessings to bless others.
In Chapter 12, he shines a light on the life-changing impact of ‘Generosity’, highlighting its ability to create a lasting impact on those around us.
As Iyinoluwa Aboyeji so eloquently puts it, “Build greatness in others, to experience what true greatness means.”
Martin emphasizes that generosity is not just about giving,
but about creating a ripple effect of kindness that can change countless lives and destinies.
He encourages us to embrace generosity as a mindset, giving extravagantly and selflessly to make a meaningful difference in the world.
By doing so, we can unlock the true essence of greatness and leave a lasting legacy that extends far beyond our own accomplishments.
In conclusion, Dave Martin reminds us that life is filled with choices.
Having chosen to read this book and learn the 12 traits of greatness, the choice now lies with us to put these principles into practice.
This is the ultimate purpose of the book: to inspire us to take action and move beyond mere knowledge.
As Simon T. Bailey aptly puts it, we all need direction and inspiration to achieve our goals and aspirations.
This book provides a clear and powerful roadmap for success, making it a must-read for anyone seeking transformation and growth.
By applying the wisdom contained within these pages, we can effect real change in our lives and become the best version of ourselves.
Also Read: Pursuing Peace – Diademng (thediademng.org)
The 12 Traits of the Great
