Secrets Behind the Success of Great Personalities: Alexander the Great

Secrets Behind the Success of Great Personalities: Alexander the Great

When you hear the name Alexander the Great, you might imagine an ancient warrior king who conquered vast territories and left an indelible mark on history. But Alexander's journey to greatness was not just about being born into a royal family. His path is shaped by mentors, inspiration and an unwavering vision; these elements are as relevant to your life today as they were in 356 BC.

Born to rule? Not so fast
Imagine that at the age of 20 you inherit a kingdom. Sounds good, doesn't it? But for Alexander, it wasn't just about sitting on a throne; it was about taking steps to continue his father's legacy and carve his own place in history. Like anyone starting their career today, he faced enormous challenges and expectations. What was the difference? He had been preparing for this all his life. But who made sure he was ready?

The power of mentoring
Behind every great leader is a mentor, and for Alexander this mentor was none other than Aristotle, one of the greatest philosophers of all time. From the age of 13, Alexander studied everything from philosophy to science and gained a deep understanding of the world. This mentorship was not just about book smarts; it was about moulding a mindset that would enable Alexander to lead, innovate and conquer.

Think of Aristotle as the ultimate life coach, guiding Alexander not only to become a ruler, but to think critically, make strategic decisions and understand the complexities of leadership. So, who is your Aristotle? Who guides you on your journey?

Finding your inspiration
In today's world, we draw inspiration from many places: social media, influential people and even fictional characters. For Alexander, inspiration came from the epic stories in Homer's Iliad. Aristotle gifted him a copy of the book and Alexander made it his personal mission to live up to this heroic legacy, believing he was a descendant of the legendary warrior Achilles.

Just as Alexander kept the Iliad under his pillow, what is your ‘Iliad’? What story, idea or passion fuels your drive for success? Whether it is a quote, a book or a role model, having a source of inspiration can keep you focused on your goals.

Vision - your personal roadmap
Alexander's conquests were not random acts of aggression; they were part of a grand vision to unite the world under a single empire. His vision was not just about power; it was about uniting different cultures under a common purpose. This vision guided his every decision and held his army together even in the most difficult times.

Having a vision in your life is like having a road map. It is the ‘why’ behind your actions and the force that drives you forward. Whether you are starting a new project, planning your career or determining your next steps, a clear vision can guide you through challenges and keep you on track. So, what is your vision? What is the great goal you are working towards?

What Alexander's journey teaches us
The story of Alexander the Great is not just a history lesson; it is a reminder that success is more than being in the right place at the right time. It is about preparation, counselling, inspiration and a clear vision. These are the same elements that can help you overcome your own challenges and achieve excellence in your career and life.

That's why we have created a range of materials and resources designed for you to become today's mentor. Whether you are looking for career advice, personal development tips or inspiration for your journey, you will find what you are looking for on our blog. Join us and start charting your path to greatness, just as Alexander did.

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, European Commission or Agency for International Programs for Youth. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.