The Right to Act Greatly

Every person who feels a deep urge to do something great is responding to an impulse placed in them by the Creative Intelligence of the universe. Just as you have a right to life, health, and happiness, you have the right to act greatly. It is perfectly right that you should desire to perform significant and noble deeds; if you are a normal man or woman, you cannot help wanting to do big things. The desire to expand and to impact your world in a powerful way is inherent in human nature. It is, in truth, the urge of Life seeking fuller expression through you.

Some may think it more virtuous to stay small or unambitious. But there is nothing laudable in shrinking from your potential. No matter what is said in praise of modesty, the truth remains that you cannot live a really complete or successful life without aiming for great deeds. You cannot fulfill your highest purpose if you confine yourself only to small undertakings. All growth in your character and capability comes from doing that which stretches you beyond your previous limits. To act greatly simply means to make the most of yourself through action — and that is the very best thing you can do for the world.

You can serve God and humanity in no more effective way than by becoming all that you can become, and that happens by doing all that you can do. A person’s true greatness is expressed through their actions. Thought is the seed of creation, but action is the bloom that gives it tangible life. If you have been given talents, ideas, or ambitions, it is your duty to use them in the largest and best way possible. Hiding your light under a bushel helps no one — but letting it shine through your works gives glory to the Power that endowed you.

Understand that acting greatly does not necessarily mean seeking fame or performing what the world calls “heroics.” It means pursuing excellence and expansion in whatever you do. A teacher acts greatly by inspiring and uplifting every student to the fullest; an artisan acts greatly by crafting with skill and creativity, adding beauty or utility to the world. Great action is about quality and intent — doing your work to the fullness of your ability with the aim of increasing life for all. Whatever your calling or field, you have the right to aspire to the highest standard of accomplishment.

This right to act greatly comes directly from the Source of your being. The same Formless Intelligence that created the stars and seasons also lives in you and wants to act greatly through you. It seeks ever - greater realization of its possibilities, and those possibilities express themselves as the dreams and drives you feel. If you suppress your desire to do something meaningful or extraordinary, you deny the Creative Power its chance to express (like a tree refusing to grow). But when you embrace your urge to act greatly, you align with the fundamental law of growth in the universe. You allow the Creative Intelligence to work through you, which benefits not only you but everyone your actions touch.

Many people have been conditioned to think small—to be content and not “rock the boat.” But no combination of circumstances can keep you down if you decide to rise and act. The Principle of Power within you is sufficient for all the requirements of your soul. Hold the vision of doing great things, and resolve to do all you can each day toward that vision. As you begin to move forward, you will find the world around you rearranging itself to assist your progress: opportunities, resources, and people will appear, drawn by the increasing life you are expressing. When you act in faith on your right to greatness, all things work together for your good.

Therefore, do not hesitate to claim this right. If there is a dream in your heart — some enterprise, invention, or contribution that excites you — then you have every right, and indeed a responsibility, to pursue it. Only through that pursuit will you grow into your full stature. Remember that desire is the voice of the Creative within, urging you toward your next stage of development. Trust that voice. In nature, every creature acts according to its purpose without doubt; so too should you act according to the higher purpose within you.

Acting greatly is not a selfish indulgence; when done in the creative way (not the competitive way), it is the means by which you contribute the most to the world. Realize that achieving your grand vision does not take away from anyone else—in fact, it will inspire and uplift others. Your success, achieved by creative means, becomes an example that opens doors for others to follow. In the economy of Creative Intelligence, one person’s advancement advances us all. Knowing this, release any guilt or fear about striving for a big goal. You are meant to be an advancing person, and advancement comes through action.

Consider if you have been playing small or dismissing a bold idea as “too much” for you. Decide now to cast aside those limiting thoughts. You do not honor the Giver of your abilities by refusing to use them. True humility is not hiding your light, but acknowledging the power within you and letting it shine, all while giving credit to the Source. As long as your intent is to create and uplift (not to take from or diminish others), your bold actions will be in harmony with the laws of the universe.

So let it be established: You have an inalienable right to act greatly. Embrace that right joyfully. Affirm to yourself: “I am here to do great things. I am an instrument of divine Creative Power, and I will not shrink from my purpose.” By adopting this mindset, you prepare the ground for all that follows. Before we proceed, banish any lingering doubt about whether it is good or proper for you to aim high. You are not presumptuous or greedy when you aspire greatly; you are honoring the Spirit within you.

Use this truth as a beacon. Whenever you question whether you “deserve” success or whether it’s appropriate to pursue a bold goal, remember that your desire for great accomplishment is Life seeking fuller expression through you—and that Life is divine. Thus, it is not only your right but your duty to move in the direction that Life urges. Accept this fully, and you have set your feet firmly on the path of Inspired Action.

Immediate Action

Take a quiet moment to acknowledge the biggest, most exciting vision you have for your life or work. Affirm that this grand vision is valid and worthy, and that you have every right to pursue it.

Identify one area where you have been holding back or thinking small. Decide on one step you can take today, however modest, to begin expanding your action in that area. It might mean volunteering for a challenging project, sharing your big idea with someone who can help, or simply planning the first phase of your larger goal.

Remind yourself daily that your drive to do something great is given by the Creative Intelligence. When doubt or fear of judgment arises, repeat: “The power within me has the right to be expressed. I serve others best by making the most of myself.”