mgpcpastor's blog

Trevin Wax, author of Holy Subversion, has enjoyed Dave Harvey’s new book, Rescuing Ambition.

On his blog, Wax quotes a favourite section of the book.
As I read it, I knew why. I’ve been all of these guys at some points in my life and still struggle with being many of them now:

Just look at some of the titles of greatness I’ve found in my own campaigns of personal glory.

Dave the Occasionally Great.

• This Dave has his moments. He even surprises himself sometimes. He’ll do something selfless, think about others before himself. He’ll have sympathy for people in need. He’ll be moved by images of poverty and oppression on the news, and even give to worthy causes. The problem is he just can’t string it together – self-focuses, self-absorbed Dave keeps showing up as well. This Dave can confuse others, and he certainly confuses himself. Greatness is hit or miss. And the misses can be biggies.

Dave the Great-in-His-Own-Mind.

• This Dave thinks great thoughts – about Dave. He has wonderful plans – for Dave. He can always think of a way to do it better than the other guy. He’s ready to offer his valuable opinion about anything. Just ask. Sometimes you don’t even need to ask; his opinions just topple out like golden nuggets from an overstuffed treasure chest.

Dave the Potentially Great.

• This is the guy everybody says could really do something if he put his mind to it. He has the tools; he just needs to put it all together. But this Dave fears success and the responsibility that comes with it. Better to always “have potential: than to risk anything – just keep pushing success out there into the future, and nobody can criticize you for how you achieved it.

Dave the Formerly Great.

• This Dave has been there and done that. He’ll talk about the way things were “back in the day.” He thinks everything’s gone downhill ever since…well, ever since things were great. Dave the Formerly Great can have a selective memory: His failures fade away, while his accomplishments are easily recalled – and easily exaggerated.

Dave the Comparatively Great.

• This Dave is always a seven out of ten. Not perfect, but certainly better than average. Dave the Comparatively Great is extremely conscious of the competition. He knows what it takes to stay ahead of the average guy. This Dave doesn’t appreciate somebody being promoted over him. It messes up his comparison index. He loves to win, hates to lose.

Dave the Tomorrow-I’ll-Be-Great.

• This Dave has great intentions. He’s just about to do something; he can feel it. He just has to get a little more rested up first, a little more organized, a little more motivated. Ask this Dave why he still hasn’t done what he said he’d do, and he turns into…

Dave the If-Only Great.

• This Dave really wants to be great, but he just can’t catch a break. He’s constantly being thwarted in his great endeavors by the decisions, weaknesses, or failures of others. If only he could find people to count on…if only people were more predictable…if only he had the resources or the time or the help, he’d be truly great. If only.

Dave the I’d-Be-Great-If-If-Others-Would-Just-Notice.

• This Dave would never claim to be great, but would sure appreciate it if other would perceive his effort. He knows what people like, and he’s good at delivering it. If he had to choose between some great success that only God noticed and some small success witnessed by others, he’d choose the latter every day and twice on Sunday. It’s not that he doesn’t care whether God notices; it just feels better when other people do.

Dave the I’ll-Be-Great-if-It-Kills-Me.

• This Dave is so motivated for greatness that he’s fixated on his goals. He pushes hard and won’t take no for an answer. Failure’s just not an option.