There are people who come into to world that leave a mark far greater than just their physical being. Legends that are made and last longer than the dash between the dates of their life. Muhammad Ali was one of those people, both in and out of the ring.
Ali was larger than life in the ring with some of the most legendary fights of all time like; “Ali-Frasier,” “The Rumble in the Jungle,” and the “Thrilla in Manila” which all go down in boxing history. And yet who Ali was outside the ring, and his confidence, his beliefs and social justice, are what will truly leave a lasting legacy on the world.
Confidence:
“It’s the lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believe in myself.” - Ali
No one can declare “I Am the Greatest!” and have people believe it is true if they themselves don’t believe it first. Ali demonstrated a confidence that was backed up by action. Although he spoke often and loudly, his actions backed up his words every time. Confidence is the fuel that has our word match up to our actions and results.
Courage:
“He who is not courageous will accomplish nothing in life.” - Ali
Along with confidence it takes an enormous amount of courage to wake up every day and be your commitment. Athletes demonstrate this constantly, and the great athletes take that commitment to another level. To stand out in society and stand out in your results requires a tremendous amount of courage. To see someone’s results matchup is truly inspiring.
Purpose:
‘Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in a world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary… Impossible is nothing!” - Ali
Too often men confuse their PLATFORM in life for their PURPOSE in life. Although Ali had an enormous platform of heavyweight champion and all the celebrity that came with it, he used it to carry out his purpose in life which was social justice and humanitarian awareness. When the purpose is great, the platform will appear.
Being a Stand:
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” – Ali
In a world of opposition Ali taught us that being a stand for what you believe and know is right is not always popular. At the height of his career he was removed from the ring because he refused to fight in a war that he didn’t believe in. It changed the course of his career and life forever. But by being unwavering in his commitment he also changed the course of social justice and civil rights from that moment on.
To stand out in a world of 7.2 billion people is truly remarkable. And to have your life be a demonstration of what is possible for the good of humanity, justice and dignity is a feat that many can only imagine. To have accomplished what Ali accomplished both in and out of the ring is the true legacy that he leaves us as an example of what is possible. That is what made him the greatest.
Thank you Ali!