Today, I want to take a moment to reflect on the pursuit of personal excellence. What does that even mean? What does it look like on a minute-by-minute or day-to-day level?
Well, I can tell you, it’s not a goal with a particular destination. This is partly because no matter how much you improve, there is always an infinite amount more to be improved upon. I like to say, "the largest room in the world is the room for improvement". This post is not to be read as a tutorial - just a gentle reminder of the ‘why’ behind the need to continually strive for the best in every facet of our lives.
I think we all innately know that personal excellence isn't a product of mere talent or luck. There's something hidden behind the typical way of doing things. That's because it’s a way of life that demands dedication, reflection, and improvement. Few people are willing to endure discomfort required to realize the goals they desire. While some might achieve some level of success with innate skills, true excellence and increased successes require ongoing courage, effort, focus, and growth.
Here are a few things that I've identified that help a person stay on the course to excellence:
Courage: Why courage? Really? Yes, courage. Many people want what is on the other side of difficulty, but few are bold or fearless enough to take the necessary actions. Too many are afraid that in the process, they may lose their comforts, familiar ways of life, friends, or even their identity, if they change who they are or how they live. This fear stands in the way of so many who say they truly want a better life, but can't bring themselves to start with an attitude of courage. I've heard it said that change only happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of making the change. Why not change on your own terms, and not when you're forced? It's a lot easier that way!
Commit to Growth: I recall my early days as a business owner, when I thought success would be achieved simply as a matter of hard work and luck. It really wasn’t until I embraced a mindset of continuous learning and self-improvement that I began to see real progress. Committing to personal growth means pushing beyond comfort zones and constantly seeking new knowledge and skills. Of course, this somewhat overlaps the previous point. Growth IS change. In the natural world, change is the only constant. So growth kinda requires courage, too.
Passion; Meet Purpose: Excellence often starts with passion, or drive. However, passion alone isn’t going to take you far. It must be coupled with a clear purpose and direction. When passion aligns with purpose, you create a powerful synergy that creates exceptional results and fills you with satisfaction. Whether it’s mastering a craft or achieving personal goals, combining these elements leads to a more fulfilling and impactful life.
Challenges = Resilience: Personal excellence isn’t achieved without facing challenges. I remember moments of doubt and setbacks, where the path forward seemed unclear, and less clear with every kick in the teeth I'd take. Yet, it’s through these trials that resilience is built. Embracing setbacks and struggles as opportunities for growth strengthens character and enhances your ability to overcome future obstacles. Just keep taking steps forward. That's all anyone can do.
Attention to Detail: Excellence often lies in the details. Many treat a job well done as a job merely done. Often, a job excellently done is one where details were thought out, watched for, worked with, and even became obstacles. There are few who have the patience and attention span to care for minutia, so as you learn this awareness, you'll find yourself ascending heights of achievement. Attention to detail in every task ensures that your work stands out, displays a high standard of quality (see previous post for more on that), and shows the character of the person behind it.
Balancing Ambition and Humility: Striving for personal excellence requires ambition, but it also demands humility. Recognizing that there is always more to learn and that others can offer valuable insights fosters an open, accepting approach. Combining ambition with humility leads to a more well-rounded and effective pursuit of excellence, and really does much to endear you to others. The smallest bit of pride often keeps us from seeing needed correction, and so we reject anyone else's insights or suggestions, leaving a strong, and maybe warranted, impression of foolishness. Avoid that.
Consistency: ...What often separates the good from the great. Establishing routines and maintaining discipline are crucial for sustained excellence. It’s not about occasional bursts of effort but about everyday actions that drive long-term success. The small acts done repeatedly is like the training of a professional athlete. After a while, those actions become habit, and you are no longer conscious of doing the tings that lead to greatness. Small, persistent steps build a foundation for achieving significant goals. Remember that!
Self-Reflection & Adaptation: Regular self-reflection is essential in the pursuit of excellence. Periodically assessing your progress, understanding your strengths and weaknesses, and adapting your strategies are vital for continuous improvement. Self-awareness allows you to refine your approach and stay aligned with your goals. Old man Socrates says that "the unexamined life is not worth living". That should wake a few of us to it's importance.
“We do not learn from experience…we learn from reflecting on experience.”
– John Dewey
Building Relationships: Just as a human life is not able to be lived in absolute seclusion, so excellence isn’t achieved in isolation. If you were the only person alive, you'd be the best there is, but the lack of comparison means that it's meaningless. So, build strong, supportive relationships with mentors, peers, and colleagues, which provides valuable insights and encouragement, if you are open to receiving them. Plus, collaborating with others sweetens your journey, offering new perspectives and shared experiences that contribute to personal growth. How knows, you may also have the chance to positively influence someone else!
Conclusion: Pursuing personal excellence is a relentless chase that requires courage, dedication, passion, resilience, attention to detail, self-examination, consistent effort, and friendship. It’s about embracing challenges, balancing ambition with humility, and continuously striving for improvement, and not being afraid to take the leap. Actively look for opportunities to improve. Remember, the pursuit of excellence is a journey, not a destination, and every step forward is a testament to your commitment to being your best self. It' not a matter of where you are; its entirely which direction you are facing and the steps you are taking! One of the greatest personal tragedies is coming to the end of your life and realizing that you could have lived up to more of your potential, contributed more, and helped more people, if you had only become more and better along the way, which is totally possible!
Bonus Insight: Consider tracking your progress and celebrating small milestones along the way. It helps maintain motivation and provides a clear picture of how far you've come. Others will certainly notice.