|
It’s really up to you. Your life; your decision. Will you choose to excel? Be the best you can possibly be? Or will you be satisfied to settle in and accept being ‘just average?’ The truth is that none of us are under any obligation to choose excellence. In fact, it takes enormous commitment, focus and intensity to achieve excellence. Moreover, it requires living up to high personal standards and a consistent effort over an extended period. So, understandably, you may not choose this path.
However, if you do commit yourself to excellence, the rewards can be breathtaking. And I’m not referring to the material rewards. Although these most likely flow in your direction. Nor am I referring to the fact that you will undoubtedly earn respect from those with whom you interact and be held in high esteem. Instead, what I am referring to is internal. It’s that sensation deep within your soul. It’s the feeling of self-pride. It’s knowing that you are exerting all your efforts to be all that you can possibly be; to do all that you can possibly do; and that you are achieving the fullness of your god given potential.
Think about the last time you gave yourself a pat on the back for making progress on a goal, or even reaching one of your goals. At some point, we have all been told to ‘strive for perfection.’ There’s no better grade in school than 100 percent, and no better ranking on your annual performance evaluation than first amongst your peers. And whether you can achieve perfection, the truth is that the reward is in the effort – in setting the goal, striving mightily to excel and letting the chips fall where they may.
Think about it. If you choose to excel towards something each day for a year, you’ve taken 365 steps towards achievement. In our personal lives, the concept of incremental goal setting isn’t anything new. Looking to run a marathon? First, run a 5k. Want to lose 50lbs? Focus on that first 5. Multiple studies support setting goals that are specific, timely, actionable, and represent an incremental step towards the larger goal. Taking these actions leads to progressive achievements and higher success rates.
Take the concept of incremental goals and apply it to each thing you do. Something that seems straightforward at first glance may require multiple steps or have interconnected requirements. Each goal aims to move you forward while focusing on the result, so ensure the goal provides value and supports the result, rather than creating additional work. This focus on progress helps maintain forward momentum. By choosing to focus on progress and excelling, to achieve a desired result, you can reduce the stress of attempting to achieve perfection, increase your own morale, and build great habits for a better you!
| 
