Striving to Achieve the Very Best!

‘Karen and Jay celebrate the pursuit of excellence!'

We have a choice in life. We can settle for a passing grade. To do ‘OK,’ and make sure we get by. Or we can set our sights high – to attempt to do our very best – and pursue true excellence. The decision on which path to choose is up to each and every one of us. And, while it’s perfectly acceptable to choose either path, there is a special exhilaration, a zest and a feeling of being truly alive when we reach deep down and muster up the resolve to do our very best in the pursuit of excellence.

Choosing to pursue excellence instead of settling for mediocrity can profoundly transform your life. One of the most immediate effects of striving for excellence is an improved sense of self-worth. When you commit to challenging yourself and pushing your boundaries, you experience a surge in pride and confidence. This growth fosters a sense of accomplishment that boosts self-esteem and motivates you to pursue even greater achievements. The more we actively seek excellence, the more we train ourselves to believe in our inherent capabilities, leading to a positive feedback loop of growth and realization.

In addition to personal development, pursuing excellence has the power to elevate the performance of those around us. When individuals demonstrate a commitment to high standards, their enthusiasm and dedication can be contagious. This is particularly evident in collaborative environments, such as teams in sports or workplaces, where one’s pursuit of excellence can inspire others to elevate their own efforts. When you witness the drive and passion of your peers, it ignites a collective spirit that fosters increased motivation and commitment to improvement. This synergy creates a thriving environment where everyone pushes their limits, resulting in heightened performance and shared success.

The journey towards excellence is not just about the end goals but also about the enriching experiences gained along the way. The process of striving for excellence is filled with valuable lessons, challenges, and personal growth. Engaging in this effort often exposes individuals to their strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to grow and fortify their skills. It is in the moments of struggle and perseverance that true character is built, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and the satisfaction that comes from overcoming obstacles. This exhilarating aspect of the pursuit adds richness to life, making each step of the journey as rewarding as the ultimate outcome.

Ultimately, the pursuit of excellence can manifest in various arenas, including business, politics, sports, the arts, and personal life. Each domain provides unique challenges and opportunities for individuals to strive for greatness. Whether it's a team working towards a championship, a business aiming for industry-leading innovation, or an artist seeking to express their vision, the choice to pursue excellence can catalyze significant progress. By embracing this path, individuals not only enrich their own lives but also contribute to uplifting the morale and aspirations of those around them, fostering a culture that champions achievement and inspires future generations to reach their highest potential.

I urge you to embrace the pursuit of excellence. In so doing, I think you will find that it makes all the difference! It can put exhilaration, excitement and joy into your life – and in so doing, can bring a positive energy and a wonderful sense of fulfillment.

This week are delighted to highlight an inspirational leader in the Granite State - Steve Turner.

Steve is the founder of Bringing Back the Trades, a New Hampshire-based nonprofit dedicated to restoring interest in and respect for careers in the skilled trades. With a background in trade work himself, Turner appreciates the value and importance of these professions, as well as the sense of pride and craftsmanship that excellence in the trades’ demands. Observing a widening skills gap and an urgent need for qualified tradespeople, he established the organization to encourage young people to view the trades as both rewarding and viable career paths.

Under Turner’s leadership, Bringing Back the Trades has grown into a community-centered organization that offers scholarships, mentorships, and partnerships with schools and industry professionals. By connecting with local businesses, the nonprofit provides hands-on training and exposure to careers in high-demand fields such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and automotive repair. Through Turner’s vision, the organization fosters an environment of excellence, where young people gain the skills, resources, and confidence needed to thrive in these essential professions.

Beyond his work with the nonprofit, Turner is an avid marathon runner, finding personal discipline and resilience in the sport. His commitment to marathon training mirrors the values of hard work, focus, and persistence that he promotes within the trades. The excellence he strives for in running serves as a constant reminder of the determination he hopes to inspire in young tradespeople.

Turner's dedication to Bringing Back the Trades has garnered widespread support, including from influential figures like Mike Rowe, host of Dirty Jobs, who is a strong advocate for skilled trades across the country. Rowe’s support, and his upcoming appearance at an event in Concord, New Hampshire, amplify Turner’s mission and underscore the importance of excellence in trade careers. Through Bringing Back the Trades, Steve Turner has become a respected figure in New Hampshire and beyond, inspiring a new generation to pursue meaningful, fulfilling, and essential careers in the trades. Please visit https://nhbringingbackthetrades.org/ for more information.

Quote of the Week

“Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.” – Ralph Marston