This world respects excellence more than any anything else. It remembers those who break the path rather than those who just went on previously laid ones. It respects those who make a difference than those who play it safe. Not everyone can be at the top but it always is open for someone if not everyone. You can either go by the beaten path or create a new path and reach the pinnacle. History recounts only those who took up big risks and responsibilities. It respects those who stood above others and is written by the victors. Even if one declines as time passes the achievements if recorded will always shine.  Excellence and greatness is perceived according to prevailing norms also. Even if you aren't a path breaking inventor or business magnate there are always other avenues to achieve and shine. Belonging to an elite group of achievers will be a bona fide for your excellence. It can be in any field but certification and awards given for skills obtained are always better than not having anything. Just look around and observe all possible outlets to achieve. But above all.... look into "yourself"!! It is you who is going to achieve and above everything else "live" the "life". What have you understood about yourself? What excites and delights you? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Are you ready to mould yourself according to situation? And still have your eyes fixed on your passion? ABOVE ALL are you constantly observing the reality for opportunities to add achievements and upgrade knowledge and skills ? ARE YOU CONSTANTLY TRYING instead of waiting for that elusive golden moment which turns your fortunes or fires your passion?? It doesn't need much analysis to state that greater the fame more is the difficulty involved in achieving it. It is simply because there will be more number of competitors than that for achieving lower level fame. Competitors employ various tactics outsmarting each other consciously or subconsciously, cov