I tuned into a Muhammad Ali documentary last evening, and I’m constantly intrigued by compelling narratives. While it’s widely acknowledged that Muhammad Ali is the ultimate boxing legend, what truly engrossed me was not just his commitment to the sport but rather his commitment to expressing his truest self in every aspect of life.
The Bravery to Change his Name Mid Career
I was always aware that Muhammad Ali wasn’t using his original name, but it surprised me to discover that he began his career as Cassius Clay. It was only later, during his conversion to Sunni Islam, that he adopted the name given to him by Elijah Muhammad, the leader of The Nation of Islam.
When we talk about reinvention, our minds often go to celebrities like Madonna or Michael Jackson. However, the act of reinventing oneself is a significant journey toward embracing one’s true identity, particularly for a public figure.
Take a moment to distance yourself from any preconceived notions about Muhammad Ali or any celebrity, for that matter. It’s easy to stand on the sidelines and make assumptions about the ease of their lives. But think about what it would be like to decide that you’re someone else, changing your name and your faith entirely. Picture it.
For the average person, the prospect of judgment, worry, and fear of rejection would likely arise. These concerns are based on our perception of what our family, friends, and those who “know us” might say. But who understands you better than yourself?
The willingness to embrace a new title, a new name, and a new faith, especially as a public figure, demonstrates a genuine commitment to exploring one’s true self, regardless of the opinions of others.
Committed to His Truth
In 1966, Muhammad Ali faced the draft to join the Vietnam War. It’s almost inconceivable to think that his choice to conscientiously object might be the more challenging path. He endured dismissal, judgment, ridicule, and was labeled with various names—essentially what we might call being “cancelled” in today’s terms. The courage required for a man to steadfastly uphold his faith, even at the risk of losing everything, is truly remarkable.
Found guilty of draft evasion, Ali received a five-year prison sentence, a $10,000 fine, and a boxing ban. They even attempted to strip him of his heavyweight titles, which he vehemently argued were earned and lost exclusively within the boxing ring.
Much like his decision to change his name, his refusal to participate in the draft wasn’t influenced by external opinions or potential treatment by others. Instead, it was rooted solely in faith and truth—a characteristic that resonated with many and a quality inherent in all of us when we have the willingness to peel away the layers that separate our ego from our true selves.
“Live every day as if it were your last because someday you’re going to be right.” – Muhammad Ali
Master Manifestor
Whether you’re well-versed in the principles of manifestation and the laws of attraction, or if these concepts are entirely new to you, observing Muhammad Ali in action—whether walking, talking, boxing, or delivering a speech—reveals the undeniable power of speaking things into existence.
What sets Ali apart is that he didn’t merely talk about it; he lived it. He embodied those principles. You could sense it in the way he carried himself and the confident manner in which he spoke, fully aware of who he was and what he could achieve. While on paper, he might seem like an arrogant and cocky athlete, there was an undeniable authenticity and genuineness that inspired others. His confidence and self-worth were so palpable that it transcended any initial judgments.
Regardless of whether one loves or dislikes this aspect of him, there’s no denying the profound and intrinsic understanding he possessed regarding his own value and his ability to be his authentic self.
Bigger Than Boxing
At some point in everyone’s journey, there’s a moment that transcends individual significance. It might be when you become a parent, start a business, or find yourself in the public eye where others seek reflections of themselves.
In what could have been perceived as the bleakest periods of his life, during his resistance to the draft, Muhammad Ali emerged as one of the greatest social activists ever. He bridged people across racial lines, championing social justice for all. His purpose expanded beyond the realm of boxing, shifting from “me” to “we.”
The Greatest
From all indications, the intention seemed to be stripping away everything that defined him as “the greatest.” However, what they failed to recognize was that boxing was merely the vehicle for his greatness; the essence of what made him great was something they couldn’t confiscate. His core, his authenticity, his unwavering commitment to being true to himself, and his ability to inspire others to do the same.
Discovering this documentary at the beginning of the New Year feels perfectly timed—a moment to contemplate who we aspire to be in this world and how we want to be remembered.
“To be a champion is to convert obstacles into stepping stones.”
Take a cue from Muhammad Ali’s training manual and choose to be the greatest this year. Have the courage to consistently reinvent yourself, striving to become the truest version of you, regardless of others’ opinions.
Stay devoted to your truth in all circumstances—whether in times of ease or challenge—because it will be the most profound season of self-discovery.
Speak your desires into existence. Concern yourself less with the “how” and focus more on the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead. You are the universe, and the universe resides within you.
Manifest everything you can imagine, detached from the specifics of “how.” And remember, leaving a legacy means making a lasting impact on others.
Greatness resides within each and every one of us, woven into the fabric of our human experience. It doesn’t demand extraordinary skill or talent but rather a commitment to being the truest expression of oneself. Master your craft, yes, but master yourself first, and just like Muhammad Ali, you too will be the greatest.
