He only is great who has the habits of greatness; who, after performing what none in ten thousand could accomplish, passes on like Samson, and “tells neither father nor mother of it.”

Achieving something remarkable once is not the same as being remarkable. The difference shows in what happens afterwards: whether the achievement has to be reported, repeated at dinner and worked into conversation, or whether the person simply goes on to the next thing. Someone for whom high performance is ordinary has no particular need to announce it, which is also why they are easy to overlook.

The next time you do something you are proud of, try not telling anyone for a week. Notice how strong the urge is, and notice what remains of your satisfaction when nobody has confirmed it.