Living in an early 20th century home, I have a unique appreciation for historic architecture, especially homes built in the early 1900s. Perhaps one of the most renown architects of this time period was Chicago native Frank Lloyd Wright.

You see, throughout Frank’s decorated career he designed more than 1,000 structures and completed more than 530 works. While certainly highly recognized during his lifetime, in 1991 the American Institute of Architects honored him in the most meaningful way, officially recognizing him as “The greatest American architect of all time.”

But despite his accomplishments, there’s something Frank once said that we can all learn an extremely valuable lesson from:

Late in his career, after completing some of the most masterful pieces of his day, he was asked “Frank, out of all the beautiful works you have constructed, which is your favorite?”

Without hesitation, Frank replied these powerful words that are still often quoted today:

“My next one.”

You see, even though Frank had already accomplished so much, he still realized that his work wasn’t done and that there was still even more to achieve — that despite all of his great success, something even greater still lied inside him.

And it’s this mentality, this type of mindset, and this type of perspective that drove him all the way through his career.

You see, after completing 100 highly praised structures Frank could have thought “I’ve done enough. After all, it’s more than most have done.”

But then the world would have missed out on the more than 400 additional, marvelous constructions that he went on to complete throughout his lifetime.

Let me ask you this:

• What is the world missing out on from you? Are you pushing forward toward your next great masterpiece, or have you settled for where you’re currently at?
• Are you focused on personal growth, or have you grown complacent where you are?

Many times, instead of reaching for our best, we fall victim to drawing comparisons to what others have accomplished.

“I’m healthier than most.” or “I’m doing more than most are about their fitness.” or perhaps “I can’t complain, there are a lot of people in worse shape than me.”

Is your standard the others who are living an average, mediocre life? Or is your standard YOUR best? I hope it’s the latter.

Fact is, there’s a lot more in store for you, and no matter where you are, you’ve only begun to scratch the surface of just how much you’re capable of accomplishing through your own personal growth.

Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player who ever played the game, even at the pinnacle of his career ALWAYS knew he could be, and strived to be, better. And you know what? That mentality is what drove Michael Jordan to become the best, and it’s what kept him at the top throughout his entire career. Michael knew that what he had already accomplished wasn’t where it ended…there was always much more ahead.

Today, you have a great, bright, beautiful future lying ahead of you. Although you may have had past success, the biggest rewards lie in what’s to come through personal growth. Don’t ever stop striving for more, driving for me, and pushing to be your best.

You may be surprised just how much you can accomplish when you’re always looking toward you’re “next one.”

To your success,

—Joel