Excellence without Excuses

Excellence without Excuses

It’s said that we truly define ourselves by our actions.  If that holds true, then we wear our identities on our sleeves.  Most of us are taught at a very young age that we can accomplish anything in life as long as we try hard enough.  Why is it, then, that somewhere along the lines of life, some accept mediocrity while others strive for excellence? 

Aristotle once wrote,

“We are what we repeatedly do.  Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.” 

It holds true, then, that excellence can be considered a result of doing the right thing consistently, or doing things right often enough to produce an excellent result.  You see, not all habits carry negative connotations. 

Excellence is a mindset.  It’s a set of personal ideals that define an image of oneself and the lifestyle they demand for and of themselves.  It’s an elusive term to succinctly define, yet, it is most certainly recognized when it reveals itself. 

Excellence is a personal quest to better oneself through self-discipline.  It requires consistency, follow-through and the elimination of all excuses.  “Tasks” become “steps,”  “obstacles” become “elements,” and “I can’t” becomes “I will.” 

  

Excellence is born by a decision and driven by a vision of purpose and determination.  Setbacks, failures, obstacles, and diversions fall by the wayside and are considered elements of a rite of passage reserved for the few who learn to recognize them for the value they hold on the path to excellence. 

Excellence can be obtained if we care more than others think is wise, risk more than others think is safe, dream more than others think is practical, and expect more than others think is possible. 

The achievement of excellence defines an elevated personal standard that, once realized, is not easily forgotten.  It is proud but not boastful, it is difficult but not risky, and it is often elusive but not impossible. 

The question arises, therefore, on whether the desire for excellence resides within us all or just those few who are determined to exploit it.  If it resides in but a select few, what makes them different from us?  Or…do we all have the seed of excellence within ourselves?  If we all have the seed of excellence, as I believe we do, what is it that compels some to embrace it while others do not?  Could it be that excellence requires more from us in order to achieve it?  Think about it.  Excellence, by design, is awarded to those who…

…care more than others think is wise, risk more than others think is safe, dream more than others think is practical, and expect more than others think is possible.

One more thing that excellence requires of us is to “do more" than most others are willing to do in order to achieve it. 

Some things to keep in mind as you pursue excellence…

Recognize that the ability to achieve excellence resides in and with you!  It can be achieved if you apply the principles described earlier – care more, risk more, dream more, expect more, and do more! 

Step out of your comfort zone!  The warm embrace and safety of familiarity and routine are traps that keep us suspended in the status quo.  Accept comfort and you’ll watch the world go by.  Refuse it and join the ranks of those collecting the most from life.   When you look back upon it all from the perch of excellence you’ll see with clarity that ordinary comfort doesn’t come close to living up to its hype.  In fact, you’ll find that the achievement of excellence often brings about a quality of life that provides a level of comfort unmatched by ordinary measures.   

SEE yourself in an excellent situation!  The mind cannot distinguish conscious reality from subconscious reality.  Visualize yourself achieving excellence in the manner that best suits you.  Mentally place yourself in the best of situations and bring reality to your doorstep through creative vision. 

Practice your pursuits relentlessly!  Consistency and repetition produce results.  Your competition will practice, study, train, build, and work hard.  You must simply do more in order to achieve excellence.  

Make NO EXCUSES!  You have the time, the resources, the determination, and the ability to achieve excellence.  Granted, you may have to get creative in order to formulate your plan, but you already know the alternative of doing nothing.  

Tap into the things that DRIVE you!  Make a promise to yourself, starting NOW, that you’ll commit to doing whatever it takes to get up, take action, get up again when you stumble, drive through inevitable obstacles and setbacks, and follow-through until you can see your excellence coming into view on the horizon.  Feel determination well within you when you first catch your glimpse of excellence.  Then take a breath, reach out and grab your excellence!  Claim it.  Savor it.  Celebrate it.  And never forget how you feel as you step into the company of those who, like you, have tasted the victory of excellence!

Until next time!

- G -

"Doing more is not the chore it’s cracked up to be.”   - G. Westfal - 

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