
You've heard it before. Self-made millionaire, self-made billionaire and some variant of this phrase. We talk about hustle, grind, putting in the work, long hours, positive mindset, discipline, intelligence, passion and drive. I'm a huge believer in all these attributes. All of those other things are important but did you truly get where you are on your own? I don't think so, I believe it is a myth! It's just ego getting in the way. Everyone has been supported, raised up, leveraged their network, and used a myriad of resources available to them along their journey. I can't think of any examples of people I have met that are truly self-made. Everyone has a story and yes some may be rags to riches but even those with the humblest of beginnings likely started with a roof over their head, some support and often a basic education. Very few people could claim they are truly self-made.
The myth of self-made is no more evident than the times we are in now. With people self-isolating we are seeing just how much we rely on one another for success and how connected we are than ever before. Whether you are connected as family, friends, work team/colleagues, mentors, customers, clients, workout partners or just people passing each other in the supermarket or on the street.
This time has caused me to reflect and consider all the little things in my life that make an impact on who I am as a person, how I function each day and what drives my performance. It’s not just the big things. Sometimes it’s a simple appreciation or compliment from someone around you that gives you that extra pep in the step for the day, seeing someone in your team succeed that gives you a push in the right direction or a conversation with a good friend that brings things into perspective. Each of these impact your day and success.
With people being required to isolate and stay home, I think it is more important than ever that we stay connected and be aware and grateful for all those things that make you, you! The things that assist with your life and work. No-one is self-made and we need each other more than ever before.
So who has helped you along the journey? In this current climate why not call them, check in, thank them for their part in your journey, either past or current. Now is the time to raise each other up, support each other, #weareinthistogether. Share what you are grateful for.

I’d also take this one step further and consider how can you put others first. Recently I was reading ‘The Power of Your Leadership’ by John Maxwell and he suggested the following 5 ways to put others first:
Develop a greater appreciation for other people. – Perhaps reflect and write a list of people who have brought out the best in you. This will remind you that you are not self-made. Value these people. Why not drop them a line?
Ask to hear other people’s stories – this is a great way to get outside of yourself, build connection and be inspired to help them. There is also so much to learn in another person’s story. I strongly believe that you can learn from everyone around you. You just have to take the time!
Put yourself in other people’s shoes – how often do you intentionally put yourself in other people’s shoes? Do you try and see their point of view? You’ll be amazed at what this can do to your perspective and attitude. I believe it also leads to better questions, conversations and solutions.
Place other people’s interests at the top of your list of priorities – I’m a big believer in this! Be a Go-Giver, (insert link here) wake up each day and think ‘what can I do for others?’ Consistently putting others first is one of the true secrets of success!
Make winning a group activity – I love this quote by John Wooden ‘A player who makes a team great is more valuable than a great player. Losing yourself for the group, for the good of the group – that’s teamwork’. This holds true for both your internal team (colleagues) and external team (customers, partners etc). Winning needs to be a group activity!

In the last week I have spent deliberate time each day to call people in my network just to check in, see how they are going, share a conversation, hear their story and stay connected.
Can I ask you to do the same?
#selfmade #selfmademyth #weareinthistogether #putothersfirst #gogiver #grateful #success #leadership
This article is originally published at www.matthewcossens.com/blog/
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