Secrets of Excellence

The pursuit of excellence consumes the mind of every top achiever. An athlete who has the goal of participating in the Olympic Games strives to extract every degree of excellence and efficiency possible. Mediocrity never enters the mind of an Olympic bound athlete. Being average belongs to the playground athlete not the gold medal winners.

The story of a concert violinist also depicts excellence. A lady came back stage to greet the master after a magnificent performance. She exclaimed, “I would give my life to play like that.” The master smiled, thanked her and replied, “I did.” He devoted his entire life to mastering the skill and performance excellence.

Achievement of superiority in any endeavor requires intense dedication. Study the masters, study success, study yourself to refine and enhance every aspect. Excellence is never achieved without study and extensive effort.

The “Excellence” has hung on my wall for over a decade. Unfortunately, it arrived without an author’s name attached. I do not claim it as mine, but I treasure its wisdom.

“Excellence is:

The result of caring more than others think is wise

Risking more than others think is safe

Dreaming more than others think is practical and

Expecting more than others think is possible.”

Success magazine featured David Foster, the hit man, in the September 2009 magazine. David has achieved super star status not only as a performer but as a producer. He told his mentor about the first record he produced with the explanation/apology that one track was not his favorite and another track had a small part which was not perfectly in tune. His mentor snatched the record out of his had and pointed out David’s name on the label as producer. “Never put your name on something you are not proud of having associated with you.” From that day on, David adopted the philosophy of “good enough isn’t.” Always strive for the very best. This absolute pursuit of excellence has been one of the reasons David has achieved superstar status.

Your name depicts your legacy. How do you choose to be remembered – “as one who just got by” or as “one who excelled?” Perfectionism can be a handicap as well as an asset. The goal of excellence has more to do with “bettering your best” than paralyzing yourself with lack of action until everything is perfect. Take action and continue working toward your individual excellence goal.

Employees can be grouped in three categories: white knights, milk toast, and red ants. The white knights always go above and beyond their job descriptions; they help others and work to achieve the very best results for the company and all employees. The white knights strive for excellence.
The milk toast arrives at the last minute, do their job but no more and leave at 30 seconds past quitting time. This is a mediocre attitude.

The red ants are always causing discord in the work place and complaining about everything. Red ants get fired.
Strive to be a “white knight.” White knights understand excellence. White knights receive raises and promotions, but even more, they earn the respect and admiration of everyone whose lives they touch.

Always strive to be the very best you can possibly be and celebrate each achievement. Excellence is a journey and a process. The person who strives for excellence never settles for “good enough.” They thrive on the challenge and relish each new achievement. This desire for excellence permeates the atmosphere around them and inspires others to reach for their own personal excellence.

Create your own excellence mindset. Let me help by joining me at www.Elaine4Success.com.