A student recently referred to me as a “GOAT.”
I smiled, nodded, and moved on, quietly wondering what on earth I had just been called. As I’m in my 60s, I don’t always keep up with the latest slang. Later that week, I found out what it means: Greatest Of All Time.
I laughed, partly in relief, partly at myself. It was a small but funny reminder of how language evolves, how generations see the world differently, and how we can either resist change or simply enjoy it.
That moment stayed with me because it connects to something I see constantly, not just among students, but among working professionals at every stage of life.
So many people feel pressure about what they should be doing.
Am I in the right job?
Should I be earning more by now?
Did I choose the wrong path?
There’s a quiet belief out there that success only belongs to people with impressive titles, corner offices, or executive roles. Let’s challenge that right now.
You do not need a prestigious position to have the vision to be a GOAT.
You can be a GOAT barista who makes every customer feel seen.
A GOAT secretary who keeps an entire office running smoothly.
A GOAT security guard who brings calm, professionalism, and care to every shift.
A GOAT line cook, support crew member, technician, teacher, or team player.
Greatness is not about the label on your job. It’s about how you do the job you’ve been given.
After more than 40 years in HR, coaching, and teaching, I’ve seen this firsthand: people who commit to doing their work with excellence stand out, regardless of role. They earn trust. They build confidence. They create opportunities that titles alone never could.
That’s why I encourage this simple mindset:
No matter where life places you, aim to be one of the GOATs right there.
Why does this matter?
Because when you work toward being the best or being among the best, you stop drifting. You become intentional. You take pride in your contribution. You build a reputation that follows you, even when your job changes.
This isn’t about perfection or unhealthy obsession. I’ve also seen what happens when people chase success at the expense of their health, values, or relationships. That cost is never worth it. Being a GOAT should never mean burning yourself out or losing who you are.
So how do you do this in a healthy, grounded way?
Raise your personal standard.
Ask yourself, “How can I do this better?” even in small tasks. Excellence is built quietly.
Keep learning.
Read, observe, ask questions. Growth doesn’t stop because you’re busy or experienced.
Be consistent, not dramatic.
You don’t need big gestures. Show up. Be dependable. Do the work well, day after day.
Play the long game.
Mastery takes time. Stay patient with yourself and committed to progress.
Protect your well-being.
Rest, reflect, and remember why you do what you do. Success should support your life, not consume it.
From this point forward, whatever role you’re in, I invite you to ask:
How can I become a GOAT right here?
You don’t need permission. You just need intention.
And if someone ever calls you a GOAT, now you’ll know exactly what they mean.
