what’s better than peace, love and understanding?
Why should we take on the challenge of excellence? Everyone knows how to do this—work hard, be accountable, be ethical, do the things that no one else wants to do—so why isn’t everyone performing to a level of excellence? Because they don’t know why they should perform at that level. When we understand this, then we are truly ready to pursue the rewards of excellence.
The first reward is autonomy! When you choose to live a life dedicated to the pursuit of excellence you get to be your own boss! Never mind what the board of directors says or human resources puts in your personnel file, never mind what the stock market tells you your retirement accounts are worth. You and you alone know what you are worth. And you are only evaluated on what is personally inside of you. It’s whatever you are willing to invest in and commit to and actually push yourself to be: the most excellent version of yourself. So no more complaining about the boss…the boss is you!
The second reward of excellence is contentedness. You are comfortable in your own skin. You don’t have to tune out or stress out; you are truly actualized with the progress you’ve made. Albert Einstein once said, “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” In our quest for excellence, we know we’re going to be ridiculed, judged, and opposed in many hurtful ways. But that’s okay! It’s called growing pains. There is no growth without the pain. We wear our battle scars with pride because we know we are engaged in triumphant warfare! And we are content in the face of adversity because it’s all a natural and necessary part of separating from the pack. The reward of excellence is that you are content with all events that transpire and you wouldn’t have it any other way.
The third reward of excellence is wisdom. My father told me that when we have a communication problem it isn’t between the mouth and the ear; it’s between the heart and the head. When you pursue and achieve excellence, you fail. That’s right; someone who’s successfully pursues excellence fails countless times by virtue of the number of challenges and risks undertaken. And those failures give us strength, experience, good judgment, empathy, compassion, and yes, wisdom. Jim Rohn once said, “Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.” We become effective communicators when we have walked a mile in others’ shoes.
4 comments
Meredith :)
Having endured the challenges that recently (finally) passed me by, I have realized that I have succeeded. No matter how difficult or imperfect things have been, I have discovered perfection in each situation as it Is. When things began to get to me, I would ask myself this question, “How can I love this moment despite logic or how I’m feeling?” I would love the pain, hard work, frustration, sadness, loss. It is Love that gave me the strength to continue toward the goal, even though the goal was a sad and dreary one to begin with.
I feel that I have achieved excellence, up to now. I have achieved excellence by working endlessly and laboriously, understanding that doing it all alone was part of these particular lessons of my life, experiencing exponential growth from learning them, and rediscovering my borderline invincibility. Now I am in a space of redefining, researching and creating what is Next. It truly is up to me where to go from here.
Through all of this, I have been reminded that I AM capable of Anything I put my mind, heart and time into. And as always, I will continue to dedicate my life to serve a purpose for the greater good.
I share this because, like many others out there, I am in transition. Transition, no matter how difficult it may seem, is a GIFT! YOU get to create what is next for you! YOU get to choose! As Tracey wrote, “You are the boss!” It is up to you to dream up your goal, research it, gather your tools, and Go For It! This is a HUGE opportunity! Even though you may be up to your eyeballs in your current responsibilities, start to see what you want to do next.
Sometimes things may seem impossible, or take way longer than you had hoped. However, if you are determined, persistent and push hard enough, you’ll blast through all of the barriers, walls and naysayers. You Will Succeed! You can accomplish anything you put yourself into! Tune in to you, believe in yourself and never give up… No Matter What!
Your dreams are yours for a reason!
So, while you’re wrapping up past responsibilities in this time of transition… DREAM! While you’re daydreaming instead of doing what you’re supposed to be doing, write it down! You will find the courage to stand up, stand out and follow through the manifestation of whatever is your passion! Dedicate your life to better serve your purpose. Be Excellence! It is the most amazing feeling as you do!
Phil
Timely post…thank for posting. Read this post this morning after spending time with a book that your father gave me. The impact of both messages have answered some questions I have been challenged by for a few weeks.
Tracey and Charlie in one morning…..what a treat.
Thanks for all you share from your wisdom and your heart.
Phil
traceyjones
You’re most welcome Phil. Thank you for your encouraging comments. I’ve not had nor taken the “easy” road. Like you, I’ve wrestled with challenges and what to do for years. But looking back I see that’s exactly what’s made me what I am. And now I can embrace the journey in a much more positive way.
traceyjones
Wow!! Meredith, thank you so much for your comments. It is such a joy and comfort to know I have a fellow life traveler like you nearby. Here’s to a lifetime of transitions and what they make us:-) As you so eloquently put it, “start to see what you want to do next”. The rest will follow:-)