Been thinking about what constitutes greatness in any field, and this gave me as good as an excuse as any to talk about greatness on the field ... yes, to talk about baseball ... and the great Henry Aaron (who sadly left us this past month). 

I still consider Hammering Hank Aaron the true home run king, notwithstanding the exploits of Barry Bonds in the steroid era.  Aaron broke Babe Ruth's record of 714 career HRs in 1974.  Ruth's record was thought to be unattainable.  But steadlily, over a long career Aaron tracked it down.  

Hank Aaron's major league career spanned a remarkable 23 years.  The home run king never had a prodigious 50-HR season in his entire career; his highest season total was 47.  He led the league in HRs only four times ... FOUR times.  He won the league MVP award only once.  Yet, Hank Aaron was steadily on his way to immoratality.  

He was very good for a very long time.  That is greatness.  

We live in a flash-in-the-pan world, one that values fame over reputation.  But Hammering Hank's example shows us the way ... being good, yes, very good, today, tomorrow, next month, and next year.  That is how it is done. 

For us lawyers, it means doing the little things, the things we all can do. We call back clients, and we do what we say we will do. It means we prepare. It means we keep learning, adapting, and getting better.  We need not be the very best in every situation.  We only need to prepare and do our very best ... and be consistently good.  Do that for a long time, and well ... there is no Hall of Fame for lawyers (thankfully ... haha).

So, good (over time ...), yes, very good, is the road to great.  

Have a great day ...