Success Advice
What ACTUALLY Made Muhammad Ali the Greatest…Spoiler: It’s not Boxing
Greatness is within each and every one of us

I watched a documentary on Muhammad Ali last night, and I’m always fascinated by a good story. Of course, we all know that Muhammad Ali was the greatest boxer of all time but what captivated me wasn’t his dedication to the ring as much as it was his dedication to the fullest expression of himself.
The Bravery to Change his Name Mid Career
I always knew Muhammad Ali wasn’t his birth name, but I was surprised to find out that he did, in fact start his career as Cassius Clay. It wasn’t until later in his career when he converted to Sunni Islam did he take on the name given to him by Elijah Muhammad, the leader of The Nation of Islam.
When we think of reinvention, we think of celebrities like Madonna or Michael Jackson but the act of reinventing oneself is an unprecedented step towards become more of who we are, especially for a public figure.
Separate yourself for a moment from anything you might think of Muhammad Ali, or any celebrity for that fact. It’s easy to be on the outside looking in and make all kinds of assumptions about how easy their life is. But to think about what it would be like to decide you’re someone else, change your name and your faith entirely. Imagine.
The average person would experience fear of judgment, worry, fear of rejection among other things. And that’s just based on our perception of what family and friends might say, people who “know us” might say. But who knows you better than yourself?
The willingness to claim a new title, a new name, a new faith and do it as a public figure shows true dedication to the exploration of one’s true self regardless of the opinion of others.
Committed to His Truth
In 1966 Muhammad Ali was drafted to join the war in Vietnam. It seems impossible to conceive that his decision to abstain would actually be the harder choice. He was dismissed, judged, ridiculed and call all sorts of names, by all accounts what we might call “cancelled” in this day and age. The courage it must have taken for a man to stand so firm in his faith that he was willing to lose everything.
He was convicted of draft evasion and sentenced to five years in prison, fined $10,000 and banned from boxing. They even tried to strip him of his heavyweight titles which he later argued were earned and lost exclusively within the confines of the ring.
Similar to having the willingness to change his name, His decision to evade the draft was not made through the lens of what others would say, or how they might treat him but based solely in faith and truth, a quality that resonated with so many, a quality that we all possess when we can have the willingness to strip away the layers that stand between our ego and who we truly are.
“Live every day as if it were your last because someday you’re going to be right.” – Muhammad Ali
Master Manifestor
Whether you’re a well versed student of manifestation and the laws of attraction or it is completely unfamiliar to you how things come into existence, anyone who has seen Muhammad Ali walk, talk, box and give a speech can understand the power of speaking things into existence.
Here’s the hook, he didn’t just talk about it, he was it. He embodied it. You can tell by the way he carried himself, the way he spoke with sheer knowing about who he was and what he was capable of. On paper he looks like an arrogant, cocky athlete but somehow it was so genuine and authentic you couldn’t help but be inspired by his confidence and self worth.
Love it or hate it, there is no discrepancy on how deeply and intrinsically he knew his value and ability to be his full self.
Bigger Than Boxing
There comes a time in every person’s life when it becomes bigger than you. Maybe it’s the time you become a parent, maybe it’s the time you build a business, maybe you become a public figure and people look to you to find more of themselves.
During what could have been viewed as some of the darkest times of his life while resisting the draft, Muhammed Ali rose up as one of the greatest social activists of all times. He united people beyond color through social justice for all. His mission became more than boxing, less me and more we. ‘
The Greatest
By all accounts, it seems the intention was to strip him of everything that made him “the greatest” but what they didn’t account for was the fact that boxing was his vehicle for greatness but what made him great was something they couldn’t take away. His essence, his truth, his commitment to being his authentic self and inspiring others to do the same.
What a perfect time to stumble upon this documentary in the New Year. A time to reflect on who we want to be in this world and how we want to be remembered.
“To be a champion is to convert obstacles into stepping stones”
Take a note out of the training manual of Muhammad Ali and decide to be the greatest this year. Be brave enough to constantly reinvent yourself to become the truest version of you, no matter what others might say or think.
Remain committed to your truth in all times, good and bad, hard and favored, it will be the most intimate season of getting to know oneself on the deepest level.
Speak things into existence. Worry less about the how, and more about the possibilities and opportunities ahead of you. You are the universe, and the universe is in you.
Manifest everything you can imagine and be detached from the how. And remember that leaving a legacy means having a lasting impact on others.
Greatness is within each and every one of us. It is woven into the fabric of our existence in this human experience. Greatness does not require skill or talent but a commitment to being the truest expression of oneself. Master your craft, yes, but master yourself first and just like Muhammad Ali, you too will be the greatest.
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Personal Development
These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident
Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.
But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.
Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.
1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task
Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.
After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.
Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.
But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.
2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First
Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.
Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”
For example, if you’re a writer:
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Research your topic at night.
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Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).
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Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.
You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.
3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace
Focus is the foundation of success.
According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.
Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.
Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.
4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life
Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”
This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.
If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.
5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills
Knowledge compounds over time.
Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.
I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.
Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.
6. Develop a Growth Mindset
Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.
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A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.
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A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.
Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.
7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You
I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.
If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.
Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.
Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.
8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions
Good mentors can fast-track your growth.
While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.
If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.
9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations
Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”
Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.
When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.
10. Focus on Your Strengths
Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.
If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.
A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.
Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.
11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs
Your beliefs shape your reality.
For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.
Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.
Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.
Final Thoughts
Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.
Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.
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