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The 12 Traits of the Greats: Mastering The Qualities Of Uncommon Achievers
“Dave Martin understands what it takes to be great in life. The principles he shares are simple, but the results you will receive are uncommon. If you could only read one book this year, you have it in your hands.” —John C. Maxwell You Were Meant for Greatness! Dave Martin, your success coach, identifies 12 common traits from the most innovative and respected leaders and achievers of our time. From the sports field to the battlefield to the business arena and beyond, this book provides uncommon wisdom for reaching the extraordinary. Discover the amazing principles that have led people from all walks of life to achievement, success, and greatness. Let Dr. Dave coach you in the traits he has learned from the lives of the greats that have led him to success in business, ministry, and life.
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2011
About the author
Dave Martin
15 books13 followersDr. Dave Martin is known by many around the world as America's #1 Christian Success Coach. He has embraced his assignment to teach others how to walk in the fullness of God's plan by pursuing, possessing and teaching the scriptural keys to biblical success.
His Ultimate Life Seminar's attract thousands of people each year from across the country and around the world. He speaks regularly in churches, colleges and business corporations. Dr. Martin's powerful life improvement messages have been embraced by God's People, Political Figures, Kings and Presidents, Professional Athletes, Actors, and Fortune 500 Companies. Dr. Dave is the author of several best selling books including The Force of Favor which teaches people to recognize, accept, and walk in the favor of God, and The 12 Traits of the Greats which teaches the undeniable qualities of uncommon achievers.
He is Founder and President of Dave Martin International which exists to serve the local church, business organizations, leaders and individuals by inspiring and helping them connect with Godly wisdom and principles in order to create success in life. He is a member of the Board of Regents for Faith Christian University and The Hilliard Vocational Bible Institute. Additionally, he sits on the advisory Board of Joel Osteen's Champions Network. Dr. Dave is an Author, Inspirational Speaker, Minister, Successful Businessman but most importantly a husband and father. His wife, Christine, is a powerful teacher speaking regularly in conferences and women's meetings. Their international headquarters are located in beautiful Orlando, Florida.
His Ultimate Life Seminar's attract thousands of people each year from across the country and around the world. He speaks regularly in churches, colleges and business corporations. Dr. Martin's powerful life improvement messages have been embraced by God's People, Political Figures, Kings and Presidents, Professional Athletes, Actors, and Fortune 500 Companies. Dr. Dave is the author of several best selling books including The Force of Favor which teaches people to recognize, accept, and walk in the favor of God, and The 12 Traits of the Greats which teaches the undeniable qualities of uncommon achievers.
He is Founder and President of Dave Martin International which exists to serve the local church, business organizations, leaders and individuals by inspiring and helping them connect with Godly wisdom and principles in order to create success in life. He is a member of the Board of Regents for Faith Christian University and The Hilliard Vocational Bible Institute. Additionally, he sits on the advisory Board of Joel Osteen's Champions Network. Dr. Dave is an Author, Inspirational Speaker, Minister, Successful Businessman but most importantly a husband and father. His wife, Christine, is a powerful teacher speaking regularly in conferences and women's meetings. Their international headquarters are located in beautiful Orlando, Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 20, 2024
Dave Martin’s "The 12 Traits of the Greats: Mastering the Qualities of Uncommon Achievers" explores the core qualities that make people truly great, both in public recognition and in private impact. Through historical examples, personal development strategies, and actionable insights, Martin examines twelve essential traits that help individuals achieve greatness. These traits range from responsibility and passion to imagination, focus, integrity, and wisdom, each offering a roadmap for anyone seeking a life of achievement and personal fulfillment.
The 12 traits outlined in "The 12 Traits of the Greats" by Dave Martin are as follows:
Responsibility – Owning your actions and their outcomes.
Adaptability – Embracing change and being flexible.
Purpose – Having a clear vision and direction in life.
Passion – Being deeply enthusiastic about your work and life.
Initiative – Taking the first step and being proactive.
Focus – Maintaining concentration on your goals.
Teachability – Always being open to learning and growth.
Attitude – Maintaining a positive and empowering mindset.
Courage – Facing fears and taking risks.
Perseverance – Staying committed through challenges and setbacks.
Self-Discipline – Regulating your behavior for long-term success.
Generosity – Being willing to give and contribute to others.
In the opening section, Martin delves into the importance of personal responsibility. The central idea is that individuals must take full ownership of their lives. Your achievements, health, relationships, and even failures are largely the result of your own choices. Martin points out that society often encourages the blame game, pushing individuals to externalize their problems and failures. However, true greatness starts when one accepts accountability for their circumstances and decisions. A powerful example of this is actor Tim Allen, who transformed his life by taking responsibility for his choices after a prison sentence, ultimately becoming a successful comedian and actor. Martin emphasizes that freedom, happiness, and progress are all linked to personal responsibility. By shifting focus inward and taking charge of one's thoughts, actions, and decisions, you begin the process of achieving your potential. When people let go of excuses, they empower themselves to make meaningful changes, creating a path to success that is grounded in a sense of responsibility.
Next, Martin examines passion as the driving force behind great accomplishments. Passion is often what differentiates those who merely work for survival from those who thrive in their work. For many, identifying their passion can be difficult because fear of failure, societal expectations, or practical concerns can obscure it. Martin suggests that passions are deeply personal and often found in the things that make you feel excited, emotional, or fulfilled—whether or not those pursuits are financially lucrative. According to Martin, once you discover your passion, you can turn it into a source of long-term satisfaction. Passion is not just about professional success but also personal happiness. By surrounding yourself with like-minded people and investing time in what truly excites you, you begin to live a life driven by purpose. Martin advises using tools like journaling, reflecting on life-defining moments, and seeking input from friends and family to discover your true passion. When you align your work with your passion, you can unleash the emotional energy needed to achieve greatness.
In the chapter on imagination, Martin highlights the power of dreams and vision in shaping one’s future. Drawing from examples like Jim Carrey’s famous story of visualizing his future success by writing himself a multi-million-dollar check, Martin emphasizes that imagination, combined with action, is a key ingredient in turning dreams into reality. Imagination allows people to create a clear vision for their future and develop detailed plans to achieve their goals. This clarity helps maintain focus and drive, as dreams alone are not enough to succeed. Martin encourages the use of vision boards, journaling, and visualization exercises as practical methods to turn intangible dreams into concrete goals. By consistently engaging with your vision and acting upon it, your dreams can take shape, ultimately guiding you toward the life you desire. For Martin, greatness requires a strong sense of purpose, defined dreams, and the imaginative power to bring them to life.
Focus is another trait Martin deems critical for success. Using the analogy of a rifle’s precision versus a shotgun’s scattered impact, Martin argues that focused effort is much more effective than spreading yourself thin. He warns against the dangers of busyness, where individuals mistake activity for progress. Instead, Martin advocates for developing laser-like focus on a singular goal, channeling all available energy and resources toward achieving that objective. Focus allows you to make meaningful progress and avoid distractions that lead to frustration and stagnation. Successful people don’t spread their efforts across multiple interests; instead, they concentrate their attention on a single passion or goal, becoming unstoppable in their pursuit. Martin advises practicing focused thinking by regularly meditating on your goals, visualizing your success, and aligning your daily actions with your desired outcomes. By building a focused mindset, you maximize your effectiveness and open the door to significant accomplishments.
Martin also underscores the importance of integrity, which he describes as the foundation of character and long-term success. Integrity is about being consistently true to yourself and others, even when no one is watching. While talent, charm, and personality might help you get ahead, Martin argues that integrity is what keeps you there. He emphasizes that true leaders and great individuals are those who build trust and respect through their integrity, treating everyone with fairness, honesty, and respect. Integrity, according to Martin, is built over time, through everyday decisions, especially when faced with challenges or adversity. The story of Joseph from the Bible is highlighted as an example of someone who maintained his integrity despite false accusations and imprisonment, eventually rising to power. For Martin, integrity involves consistently making the right choices and upholding your principles in all areas of life. By doing so, you build a solid foundation of trustworthiness and moral strength, which are essential for lasting success and personal fulfillment.
Wisdom, the final trait explored in the book, serves as the cornerstone of a great life. Martin compares wisdom to the foundation of a house—reliable, steady, and unchanging despite the fluctuations of life. While circumstances may shift, wisdom provides stability. Gaining wisdom, Martin argues, is a continuous process that requires lifelong learning and applying knowledge to real-world situations. Wisdom is not merely the accumulation of facts but the ability to use knowledge to make informed decisions. Martin draws on biblical examples, including King Solomon, to demonstrate that wisdom is built through learning, reflection, and action. It is a combination of faith, experience, and continuous learning. Cultivating wisdom involves being open to new ideas, seeking out mentors, and engaging in personal development regularly. This deliberate effort to grow mentally and spiritually leads to better decision-making, richer relationships, and greater personal fulfillment. By prioritizing wisdom, individuals can navigate life’s complexities with confidence and purpose.
In conclusion, "The 12 Traits of the Greats" offers a powerful guide for anyone striving for personal and professional excellence. By embracing traits like responsibility, passion, imagination, focus, integrity, and wisdom, individuals can unlock their potential and achieve lasting success. Martin’s book serves as a reminder that greatness is not reserved for a select few but is attainable by anyone willing to develop the qualities that define truly remarkable people. Whether you're looking to advance in your career, improve your relationships, or lead a more fulfilling life, this book provides actionable steps to help you on your journey to greatness.
The 12 traits outlined in "The 12 Traits of the Greats" by Dave Martin are as follows:
Responsibility – Owning your actions and their outcomes.
Adaptability – Embracing change and being flexible.
Purpose – Having a clear vision and direction in life.
Passion – Being deeply enthusiastic about your work and life.
Initiative – Taking the first step and being proactive.
Focus – Maintaining concentration on your goals.
Teachability – Always being open to learning and growth.
Attitude – Maintaining a positive and empowering mindset.
Courage – Facing fears and taking risks.
Perseverance – Staying committed through challenges and setbacks.
Self-Discipline – Regulating your behavior for long-term success.
Generosity – Being willing to give and contribute to others.
In the opening section, Martin delves into the importance of personal responsibility. The central idea is that individuals must take full ownership of their lives. Your achievements, health, relationships, and even failures are largely the result of your own choices. Martin points out that society often encourages the blame game, pushing individuals to externalize their problems and failures. However, true greatness starts when one accepts accountability for their circumstances and decisions. A powerful example of this is actor Tim Allen, who transformed his life by taking responsibility for his choices after a prison sentence, ultimately becoming a successful comedian and actor. Martin emphasizes that freedom, happiness, and progress are all linked to personal responsibility. By shifting focus inward and taking charge of one's thoughts, actions, and decisions, you begin the process of achieving your potential. When people let go of excuses, they empower themselves to make meaningful changes, creating a path to success that is grounded in a sense of responsibility.
Next, Martin examines passion as the driving force behind great accomplishments. Passion is often what differentiates those who merely work for survival from those who thrive in their work. For many, identifying their passion can be difficult because fear of failure, societal expectations, or practical concerns can obscure it. Martin suggests that passions are deeply personal and often found in the things that make you feel excited, emotional, or fulfilled—whether or not those pursuits are financially lucrative. According to Martin, once you discover your passion, you can turn it into a source of long-term satisfaction. Passion is not just about professional success but also personal happiness. By surrounding yourself with like-minded people and investing time in what truly excites you, you begin to live a life driven by purpose. Martin advises using tools like journaling, reflecting on life-defining moments, and seeking input from friends and family to discover your true passion. When you align your work with your passion, you can unleash the emotional energy needed to achieve greatness.
In the chapter on imagination, Martin highlights the power of dreams and vision in shaping one’s future. Drawing from examples like Jim Carrey’s famous story of visualizing his future success by writing himself a multi-million-dollar check, Martin emphasizes that imagination, combined with action, is a key ingredient in turning dreams into reality. Imagination allows people to create a clear vision for their future and develop detailed plans to achieve their goals. This clarity helps maintain focus and drive, as dreams alone are not enough to succeed. Martin encourages the use of vision boards, journaling, and visualization exercises as practical methods to turn intangible dreams into concrete goals. By consistently engaging with your vision and acting upon it, your dreams can take shape, ultimately guiding you toward the life you desire. For Martin, greatness requires a strong sense of purpose, defined dreams, and the imaginative power to bring them to life.
Focus is another trait Martin deems critical for success. Using the analogy of a rifle’s precision versus a shotgun’s scattered impact, Martin argues that focused effort is much more effective than spreading yourself thin. He warns against the dangers of busyness, where individuals mistake activity for progress. Instead, Martin advocates for developing laser-like focus on a singular goal, channeling all available energy and resources toward achieving that objective. Focus allows you to make meaningful progress and avoid distractions that lead to frustration and stagnation. Successful people don’t spread their efforts across multiple interests; instead, they concentrate their attention on a single passion or goal, becoming unstoppable in their pursuit. Martin advises practicing focused thinking by regularly meditating on your goals, visualizing your success, and aligning your daily actions with your desired outcomes. By building a focused mindset, you maximize your effectiveness and open the door to significant accomplishments.
Martin also underscores the importance of integrity, which he describes as the foundation of character and long-term success. Integrity is about being consistently true to yourself and others, even when no one is watching. While talent, charm, and personality might help you get ahead, Martin argues that integrity is what keeps you there. He emphasizes that true leaders and great individuals are those who build trust and respect through their integrity, treating everyone with fairness, honesty, and respect. Integrity, according to Martin, is built over time, through everyday decisions, especially when faced with challenges or adversity. The story of Joseph from the Bible is highlighted as an example of someone who maintained his integrity despite false accusations and imprisonment, eventually rising to power. For Martin, integrity involves consistently making the right choices and upholding your principles in all areas of life. By doing so, you build a solid foundation of trustworthiness and moral strength, which are essential for lasting success and personal fulfillment.
Wisdom, the final trait explored in the book, serves as the cornerstone of a great life. Martin compares wisdom to the foundation of a house—reliable, steady, and unchanging despite the fluctuations of life. While circumstances may shift, wisdom provides stability. Gaining wisdom, Martin argues, is a continuous process that requires lifelong learning and applying knowledge to real-world situations. Wisdom is not merely the accumulation of facts but the ability to use knowledge to make informed decisions. Martin draws on biblical examples, including King Solomon, to demonstrate that wisdom is built through learning, reflection, and action. It is a combination of faith, experience, and continuous learning. Cultivating wisdom involves being open to new ideas, seeking out mentors, and engaging in personal development regularly. This deliberate effort to grow mentally and spiritually leads to better decision-making, richer relationships, and greater personal fulfillment. By prioritizing wisdom, individuals can navigate life’s complexities with confidence and purpose.
In conclusion, "The 12 Traits of the Greats" offers a powerful guide for anyone striving for personal and professional excellence. By embracing traits like responsibility, passion, imagination, focus, integrity, and wisdom, individuals can unlock their potential and achieve lasting success. Martin’s book serves as a reminder that greatness is not reserved for a select few but is attainable by anyone willing to develop the qualities that define truly remarkable people. Whether you're looking to advance in your career, improve your relationships, or lead a more fulfilling life, this book provides actionable steps to help you on your journey to greatness.
September 20, 2024
Summary:
The greatness is a quality that endures and can be developed through specific traits. By embracing personal responsibility, you take control of your destiny. Unleashing your passion transforms work from a mere paycheck into a fulfilling pursuit. Imagination helps you visualize and achieve your dreams, while focus ensures your efforts are directed towards meaningful goals. Integrity keeps you grounded and trustworthy, and wisdom guides your decisions and actions. By integrating these six traits into your life, you can unlock your potential, achieve personal success, and inspire others.
The greatness is a quality that endures and can be developed through specific traits. By embracing personal responsibility, you take control of your destiny. Unleashing your passion transforms work from a mere paycheck into a fulfilling pursuit. Imagination helps you visualize and achieve your dreams, while focus ensures your efforts are directed towards meaningful goals. Integrity keeps you grounded and trustworthy, and wisdom guides your decisions and actions. By integrating these six traits into your life, you can unlock your potential, achieve personal success, and inspire others.
January 30, 2021
Some good thoughts but weak examples
There are some good thoughts in the book but I found some of the examples used to support the ideas rather weak and even contradicting in places. But I guess if you read in order to raise questions about certain areas of your life, it can be thought and action provoking.
There are some good thoughts in the book but I found some of the examples used to support the ideas rather weak and even contradicting in places. But I guess if you read in order to raise questions about certain areas of your life, it can be thought and action provoking.
June 13, 2022
The book began with great promise and then segued into mini bios of the lives of "whos who". I think this is where it began to lose its originality and enter into the land of a snoozefest. Martin should be reminded that there are some people who are prepared to lead and some people who just want followers - there is a distinction :)
September 20, 2024
Greatness commands respect.
It’s about character
Can you inspire others
Impact quietly
Responsibility (PERSONAL)
Passion
Integrity
Imagination
Build your dreams
Wisdom
No excuses- take responsibility for your actions and choices
It’s about character
Can you inspire others
Impact quietly
Responsibility (PERSONAL)
Passion
Integrity
Imagination
Build your dreams
Wisdom
No excuses- take responsibility for your actions and choices
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2021
I was enjoying this book until the author chose to bring politics and his political preference into the book. Nope, done
March 8, 2024
Good book
September 20, 2024
Real on 81inklist.
That's an interesting approach. It is very pleasant to read. Very good examples.
That's an interesting approach. It is very pleasant to read. Very good examples.
October 11, 2012
Personally I love how the author write about the traits, especially relationship, focus, wisdom and generosity.
I could argue that there is one more trait a "great" person should have: humility.
But then again, not all great people are humble, do they?
Other than that, this book was excellent and worth reading.
I could argue that there is one more trait a "great" person should have: humility.
But then again, not all great people are humble, do they?
Other than that, this book was excellent and worth reading.
March 31, 2013
Reads like any other motivational book. It was ok... Not my fav
March 5, 2019
Good well written.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews