The only reason I am able to share these thoughts with you is because a lot of other people have done, and are doing, their jobs. Regardless of what I’m bringing to the table right now, without them I would be powerless to communicate anything to you.

• This computer was designed and manufactured by teams of creative and hard-working people who brought it into this world.
• The software that runs the computer was likewise written by people who took their jobs seriously.
• The electricity that powers this machine is being generated, right now, by people at the local utility who are monitoring their facility and processes. The linemen and repair crews are doing work to ensure that the electricity is properly transmitted to me.
• The Internet connection in this hotel is provided to me wirelessly. The signal I am working from is being generated by equipment that was designed and manufactured by someone else.
• My online work is being transmitted to my web provider on a complicated network infrastructure that works a remarkable percentage of the time.
• In a more distant way, all of my teachers from first grade through college are making this possible. My former bosses, managers, mentors, family, and friends are also in here somewhere. They have all had a part in making me who I am and what I am.

These are but a few examples of how many different people are contributing indirectly to my success. Without their help I would not be able to do what I do in the way I do it or nearly as well as I do it. And yet, I often walk around unaware of what they have done and are doing to contribute to my success. I sometimes act as if my work is strictly of my own doing. During those times I tend to not be very grateful or thankful.

During times like today, though, when I am very aware of all of the people contributing to my success, I feel a depth of gratitude. I develop the eyes to see all of the people making me possible. I get this incredible sense that with their help I can achieve astounding things. Together with all of these wonderful helpers I can do something, be something, and contribute to something greater than myself.

In a strange way, admitting my dependence on other people to do what they do opens up unlimited potential in me. This is the reason I try to notice all of the ways, large and small, that others are contributing to my success. This is the reason I have such gratitude for others. It is the reason I acknowledge others in my Forward Story.

What are you grateful for that enables you to achieve greatness?