The 12 Traits of the Greats

The 12 Traits of the Greats Plot Summary

Introduction

Throughout history, there have been individuals who rise above the ordinary, achieving extraordinary success and leaving an indelible mark on the world. What separates these uncommon achievers from the rest? The answer lies not in some mysterious talent or fortunate circumstance, but rather in specific character traits and habits that can be identified, studied, and most importantly—adopted by anyone seeking to excel in their own life journey. These uncommon achievers come from all walks of life—some were born into privilege, others overcame tremendous obstacles. Some pursued business ventures, others chose artistic paths or public service. Yet regardless of their chosen field, they all share common qualities that propelled them forward when others would have given up or settled for mediocrity. In the pages that follow, we will explore seven fundamental traits that define truly exceptional individuals. From the foundation of personal responsibility to the courage required to take action in the face of fear, these principles offer a roadmap for anyone who aspires to move beyond the ordinary and embrace their highest potential.

Chapter 1: The Foundation of Responsibility: Owning Your Life

In American society, there exists a pervasive tendency to blame external factors for our circumstances. We point to genetics, economic conditions, parental influence, or even fate as the reason for our failures or limitations. This victim mentality has become deeply ingrained in our cultural consciousness, offering a convenient escape from the often uncomfortable reality that we are responsible for our own lives. The first and perhaps most fundamental trait of uncommon achievers is their willingness to embrace complete responsibility for their circumstances. They understand that while they may not control every external event, they absolutely control their response to these events. This mindset represents the true dividing line between those who achieve greatness and those who remain trapped in cycles of mediocrity and disappointment. When faced with failure or setbacks, the extraordinary individual asks, "What could I have done differently?" rather than "Who can I blame?" This principle was powerfully illustrated in the life of Tim Allen, who experienced a profound "pivot point" moment that changed the trajectory of his existence. Like many who achieve greatness, he reached a critical juncture where he had to make a choice: continue blaming circumstances or take ownership of his life. The moment he chose responsibility, everything began to change. This pattern repeats throughout the lives of remarkable achievers—they recognize that their choices and decisions have led them to their current situation, and their future choices will determine what comes next. Responsibility extends beyond merely accepting blame for negative outcomes. It encompasses a comprehensive approach to life where one recognizes their agency in creating both problems and solutions. Uncommon achievers understand that they are the authors of their own stories. While external factors may introduce plot twists, the protagonist remains in control of how the narrative unfolds. This perspective is liberating rather than burdensome, as it places the power for change squarely in one's own hands. The truth remains unchangeable: the present moment is a reflection of past choices, and the future will be shaped by decisions made today. This realization—that we cannot reap different rewards while sowing the same seeds—forms the bedrock upon which all other traits of greatness are built. Without this foundation of personal responsibility, no amount of passion, focus, or courage can produce lasting achievement.

Chapter 2: Mindset: The Power of Positive Self-Perception

How we view ourselves fundamentally shapes the course of our lives. This truth becomes evident in the story of a man who testified in court as an eyewitness to a robbery, only to have his testimony completely contradicted by video evidence of the incident. What he genuinely believed he saw with perfect clarity was, in reality, drastically different from what actually occurred. This phenomenon isn't limited to courtroom testimonies—it extends to the very way we perceive ourselves and our capabilities. The mindset of uncommon achievers is characterized by an unshakable belief in their own potential. This isn't mere wishful thinking or the shallow "positive thinking" often parodied in popular culture. Rather, it's a deeply held conviction about one's inherent value and abilities that becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Those who believe they can accomplish great things invariably outperform those with equal talent but limited self-perception. The brain, functioning as a goal-seeking mechanism, will find ways to actualize whatever beliefs we hold most firmly about ourselves. Throughout history, those who have attained extraordinary success have been undergirded by a strong, unassailable belief in themselves and their mission. This mindset persisted even when others ridiculed their dreams or doubted their abilities. From Thomas Edison's unwavering belief in the possibility of the electric light bulb despite thousands of failed attempts, to the persistence of pioneers in any field, the pattern remains consistent: achievement begins with belief. Uncommon achievers don't wait for validation from others; they validate themselves through an internal conviction that transcends external circumstances. This positive self-perception isn't rooted in arrogance or delusion. Instead, it springs from a clear-eyed assessment of one's capabilities combined with a refusal to accept artificial limitations. While others might view themselves through the distorted lens of past failures or the skepticism of naysayers, the uncommon achiever chooses to see themselves through the lens of potential. They understand that the way they view themselves will shape everything about them and set them on a course that becomes nearly irreversible. "Stinking thinking"—the tendency toward self-doubt, excessive criticism, and negative expectation—represents perhaps the primary hindrance to greatness. Conversely, the choice to maintain a positive yet realistic self-perception becomes the catalyst for extraordinary achievement. The uncommon achiever understands that no human being can change the direction of their life until they first change the way they think about themselves.

Chapter 3: Passion and Purpose: Discovering Your Driving Force

Every extraordinary individual throughout history has been propelled by passion—an intense, driving conviction that fuels persistence in the face of obstacles and illuminates the darkest moments of doubt. Passion is the emotional energy that transforms mundane tasks into meaningful missions. Without it, even the most talented individuals will eventually succumb to the inevitable challenges that arise on the path to greatness. The distinguishing characteristic between those who achieve greatness and those who settle for mediocrity often lies in their ability to connect with their authentic passion. Many people find themselves merely going through the motions in life—"absent while present" as they navigate careers and relationships without genuine engagement. They exist in what sociologists call a state of "quiet desperation," having traded their deepest desires for security or social approval. Uncommon achievers, by contrast, refuse to settle. They recognize that moving toward something significant always means moving away from something familiar, and they willingly make this trade. Passion cannot be manufactured or imposed from external sources. It emerges organically from within, often revealed through careful attention to the activities and causes that naturally energize and inspire us. The process of discovering one's passion involves honest self-examination: What activities cause you to lose track of time? What topics consistently draw your attention and curiosity? What injustices or problems in the world stir your emotions most deeply? The answers to these questions often contain clues to your authentic passion. There are five primary deterrents that prevent many from pursuing their passion: fear, self-doubt, unworthiness, disbelief, and a limited view of life. These internal obstacles keep countless individuals trapped in unfulfilling circumstances, unwilling to risk the comfort of the familiar for the possibility of fulfillment. Uncommon achievers differentiate themselves by confronting these deterrents head-on, recognizing them as internal constructs rather than immovable realities. The commitment to passion isn't merely about personal fulfillment—though this is certainly a benefit. Passion serves as the sustainable energy source that powers persistence through inevitable setbacks. When challenges arise, as they invariably will, it is passion that compels the uncommon achiever to continue when others would abandon their pursuit. Every man will be remembered for his passion or forgotten for his lack of it. The exceptional person believes they can actually give birth to the dream within them, while others dismiss their deepest desires as unrealistic fantasies.

Chapter 4: Imagination: Envisioning Your Future Success

The human imagination represents one of our most powerful yet underutilized capabilities. Uncommon achievers understand that it is impossible to leave where you are until you first decide where you would rather be—and this decision begins in the realm of imagination. Before any great achievement was realized in the physical world, it first existed as a mental image in someone's mind, a vision clear enough to persist despite the obstacles that inevitably arose during its pursuit. Jesus emphasized this principle when he encouraged his followers to focus on important matters rather than becoming consumed by daily urgencies. This distinction between the urgent and the important separates those who merely react to life from those who intentionally create it. The uncommon achiever develops the discipline to imagine and visualize their desired future with clarity and consistency, refusing to be distracted by immediate demands that contribute nothing to their ultimate vision. This visualization process goes beyond vague daydreaming. Research conducted by Harvard University revealed that people who mentally rehearse a task before attempting it dramatically increase their likelihood of success. This finding has been applied across diverse fields, from athletic performance to business leadership. Olympic athletes routinely use visualization techniques to prepare for competition, mentally rehearsing each movement until their nervous systems can't distinguish between imagination and reality. Similarly, successful entrepreneurs often visualize their businesses thriving in vivid detail long before market conditions make such success apparent to others. The specificity of the vision matters tremendously. When Abraham was discouraged about his seemingly impossible dream of becoming a father of many nations, God didn't offer vague reassurance. Instead, He took Abraham outside and asked him to count the stars—providing a vivid, tangible image that Abraham could hold in his mind during moments of doubt. This principle applies equally to modern achievement: the more detailed and sensory-rich the mental image, the more powerful its impact on behavior and outcomes. Many successful individuals create physical representations of their mental images through "dream walls" or "vision boards"—collections of pictures, quotes, and symbols that represent their goals. These visual aids serve as daily reminders of the destination, helping maintain focus when distractions or discouragement threaten to derail progress. The journey to success isn't a matter of a few giant leaps but rather hundreds of baby steps, each guided by a clear mental image of the destination.

Chapter 5: The Power of Relationships in Achievement

No individual, regardless of talent or drive, achieves greatness in isolation. Even the most seemingly self-made success stories reveal, upon closer examination, a network of relationships that proved instrumental to their achievement. Uncommon achievers understand that every incredible opportunity will come into their life disguised as a relationship, and they approach the cultivation of these connections with intentionality and authenticity. Truly successful people are socially aggressive—not in a manipulative sense, but in their recognition of the absolute necessity of creating and nurturing relationships in the workplace and marketplace. They grasp that poverty isn't merely a lack of financial resources but isolation from the kind of people who could help you make more of yourself. Keith Ferrazzi captured this principle perfectly when he observed that our success "has really been based on partnerships from the beginning." These vital relationships exist on multiple levels. The most basic level involves what might be called "cliché" interactions—the programmed questions and statements we've been socially conditioned to exchange. While seemingly superficial, these interactions serve as entry points to deeper connection. The second level involves "gossip" communications, where we discuss more substantive issues, especially shared relationships with other people. The third level encompasses "testing the waters," where we cautiously put forth ideas, dreams, and goals to gauge reactions. The fourth level involves "passionate" exchanges, revealing true thoughts, feelings, and driving motivations. The highest level represents "spiritual connection," where genuine bonds of trust and respect form. Uncommon achievers understand the value of relationships at every level, but they consistently work toward establishing those deeper connections where authentic collaboration becomes possible. They recognize that great people ask for help all the time, and great people give help all the time. This reciprocity creates a network of mutual benefit that accelerates everyone's progress toward their goals. Jesus demonstrated the mastery of relationship building by accepting people at whatever level made them most comfortable. He connected with fishermen by fishing, with tax collectors by discussing money, and with religious scholars by debating theology. This adaptability allowed him to establish rapport with individuals from vastly different backgrounds, creating connections that would ultimately transform their lives. Nobody is completely self-sufficient or self-made. The uncommon achiever distinguishes themselves not by trying to achieve everything alone, but by cultivating relationships with those whose talents complement their own. They understand that their success depends on becoming the missing link for others while allowing others to become the missing link for them.

Chapter 6: Focus: Maintaining Clarity Amid Distractions

In a world designed to fracture our attention into increasingly smaller fragments, the ability to focus emerges as perhaps the most valuable skill for anyone pursuing greatness. Uncommon achievers understand that while they can do anything they desire in life, they cannot do everything. This recognition leads them to develop extraordinary powers of concentration, directing their mental and physical energy toward specific goals with laser-like precision. The power of focus can be illustrated through the simple comparison between a shotgun and a rifle. While a shotgun disperses its energy across a wide area, a rifle concentrates its force on a single point, dramatically increasing its impact and range. Similarly, the person who directs their attention, resources, and effort toward a single objective achieves far greater results than someone spreading themselves across multiple pursuits. This explains why highly successful people are often just average individuals who have learned the discipline of focus. This trait becomes evident when examining the lives of extraordinary achievers across diverse fields. From Thomas Edison's singular dedication to the electric light bulb through thousands of failed experiments to Steve Jobs' obsessive attention to product design, these individuals demonstrated the capacity to eliminate distractions and concentrate on their primary objective. This doesn't mean they possessed superhuman abilities—rather, they developed the habit of consistent, sustained attention to what mattered most. Television advertising offers a fascinating illustration of how repetitive reconditioning shapes behavior. Major companies spend billions annually not because a single exposure will convince consumers, but because repeated exposure gradually reshapes perception and decision-making. Similarly, uncommon achievers repeatedly focus their attention on their goals, conditioning their minds to recognize opportunities and solutions that others miss. Through this process, they program their subconscious to work continuously toward their objectives, even during moments of rest. Developing focus requires identifying the specific talents God has given you to set you apart. Every person possesses unique abilities that, when properly developed and directed, become instruments for achieving their destiny. Unlike the "jack of all trades, master of none," the uncommon achiever recognizes their primary strengths and concentrates on mastering them rather than attempting to excel at everything. The focused individual becomes virtually an unstoppable force because their entire being aligns with their purpose. Their thinking, their conversations, their reading, their associations—all elements of their life support their central objective. This alignment creates a momentum that overcomes obstacles and persists when others would abandon their course.

Chapter 7: Courage to Act: Overcoming Fear and Inaction

All the responsibility, positive thinking, passion, imagination, relationships, and focus in the world amount to nothing without the courage to take action. The world doesn't reward imagination, and it doesn't pay for what you know—it recognizes achievements and rewards actions. This fundamental reality separates those who dream from those who achieve, and it requires the most difficult trait to develop: courage. Courage isn't the absence of fear but rather action in the face of fear. When Army Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta earned the Congressional Medal of Honor, he remarked that he had merely done what any other soldier would have done under similar circumstances. Yet what separated him was his willingness to move forward when others might have hesitated. This principle applies equally to achievement in any field—the courage to act when others remain paralyzed by uncertainty or doubt. The reality of the world is that nothing happens until somebody does something. Plans, dreams, and visions remain ethereal until transformed into tangible action. Many potentially great achievements have died from inaction, withering away as opportunities passed or enthusiasm waned. The courageous individual understands that imperfect action today is superior to perfect action tomorrow, because tomorrow's perfect conditions rarely materialize. Ray Kroc, founder of McDonald's, identified three keys to success: being in the right place at the right time, knowing you're in the right place at the right time, and taking action when you're in the right place at the right time. Many people experience the first two conditions but fail at the third, allowing golden opportunities to slip through their fingers because they couldn't summon the courage to act decisively. Failure doesn't frighten courageous people because they understand that as long as they are breathing, failure is temporary and the experience gained from it is invaluable. Just as a professional racecar driver learns to focus on the infield instead of the wall, uncommon achievers focus on their dreams rather than possible failure. They recognize that the path to success often includes stumbles and setbacks, but these temporary defeats contain the seeds of equivalent or greater success when approached with the right mindset. Good things eventually begin to flow when you simply take action. The first step is invariably the hardest, requiring the greatest courage, but it breaks the paralysis of inaction and creates momentum that makes subsequent steps easier. Like Jonathan in biblical times, who with just his armor bearer initiated a battle that inspired an entire army to victory, courageous individuals often become catalysts who inspire others to overcome their own fears and take action.

Summary

The journey toward uncommon achievement is neither mysterious nor reserved for a select few born with special talents or advantages. Rather, it represents a path available to anyone willing to develop and integrate these essential traits into their character and daily habits. The common thread running through all extraordinary lives is not circumstance or natural ability, but rather the conscious cultivation of specific qualities that transform ordinary potential into extraordinary results. What separates these uncommon achievers from others is not what they have but who they become. By embracing responsibility for their lives, cultivating a positive self-perception, discovering their driving passion, vividly imagining their desired future, building powerful relationships, maintaining focused attention, and summoning the courage to act despite fear, they create a life of purpose and impact. For those willing to undertake this journey of personal development, the principles outlined here offer more than theoretical knowledge—they provide a practical roadmap to move beyond mediocrity and into the realm of greatness that resides within each of us, waiting to be awakened and expressed.

About Author

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Dave Martin

Dr. Dave Martin is known by many around the world as America's #1 Christian Success Coach. He has embraced his assignment to teach others how to walk in the fullness of God's plan by pursuing, possessing and teaching the scriptural keys to biblical success.His Ultimate Life Seminar's attract thousands of people each year from across the country and around the world. He speaks regularly in churches, colleges and business corporations. Dr. Martin's powerful life improvement messages have been embraced by God's People, Political Figures, Kings and Presidents, Professional Athletes, Actors, and Fortune 500 Companies. Dr. Dave is the author of several best selling books including The Force of Favor which teaches people to recognize, accept, and walk in the favor of God, and The 12 Traits of the Greats which teaches the undeniable qualities of uncommon achievers. He is Founder and President of Dave Martin International which exists to serve the local church, business organizations, leaders and individuals by inspiring and helping them connect with Godly wisdom and principles in order to create success in life. He is a member of the Board of Regents for Faith Christian University and The Hilliard Vocational Bible Institute. Additionally, he sits on the advisory Board of Joel Osteen's Champions Network. Dr. Dave is an Author, Inspirational Speaker, Minister, Successful Businessman but most importantly a husband and father. His wife, Christine, is a powerful teacher speaking regularly in conferences and women's meetings. Their international headquarters are located in beautiful Orlando, Florida.

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