I think, very often, it is about even jumping on the grenade for yourself as well. You will not achieve the things you mentioned in the above post unless you are willing to give up(kill) those personality traits that drag us to the depths of despair and refuse to allow us to be successful.
By jumping on the grenade for others, you may be killing the part in you that is keeping you from greatness. In killing that part of yourself that is a hindrance, you may just grasp immortality!
This is a really good point you make. Destroy the negative aspects of your own attitude and mindset and rebuild positive ones that will move you forward...
Great comment.