The Concept of Excellence

excellence
noun
1.	the quality of excelling; possessing good qualities in high degree
2.	an outstanding feature; something in which something or someone excels; "a center of manufacturing excellence"; "the use of herbs is one of the excellencies of French cuisine"

excellence. (n.d.). WordNet® 3.0. Retrieved August 05, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/excellence

am currently reading this book by Heather Brown. The following is taken from one of my favourite chapters in the book. Hope it will inspire you in some way or another! :)

• Every one of us has the ability to achieve something greater than we imagine.
  
  
• Every one of us has excellence with us - EVERY ONE OF US.
  
  
• We are all called to achieve something different but equally significant, which is why it's unhelpful to compare yourself with others.
  
  
• Whether we choose to be excellent or not is our own decision.
  
  
• A life of excellence is a journey, but a journey definitely worth taking.
  
  
• Excellence is achievable for every one of us and excellence brings a great sense of accomplishment.
  
  
• Having the desire to put the extra effort into everything we do is something we must cultivate. For most of us it probably doesn't come naturally, but if you desire to be excellent you can develop this into natural behaviour until it becomes an instinctive way of thinking and doing.
  

Make excellence a lifestyle choice and walk in continuous improvement of yourself and your life.

• Excellence is not perfection, but being the very best you can be, putting your very best into everything you do and knowing you have done everything you know to achieve the best possible outcome. This is an excellent effort. Extra effort will always bring a more excellent result.
  
  
• Don't settle for less; 'average' isn't good enough for any one of us. Please don't choose average. You are capable of much more. So be a "Man/Woman of Excellence" and make a difference to your own life and the lives of those around you. Enjoy the rewards you will earn along the way when you step into excellence.
  

Do not strive for perfection, bur rather choose excellence over average in all you do and you will experience the reward which goes with the decision to choose a life of excellence.

• Excellence is not something attained by merely just wanting it, or waiting for it to come to you, it must be pursued. It must be a heartfelt thing coming from deep within you, a desire to do something that shines.
  
  
• When the decision is made in our hearts and minds to choose to be excellent, we begin our journey to higher ground. In order for this to happen, we need to be completely honest with ourselves about areas of our lives which are not working as well as we would like them to be. I believe we all have areas requiring attention.
  
  
• We need to be willing to get out of our comfort zone and out of our places of habit and take a good look. This takes a willing attitude and a determined decision. We need to ask ourselves how badly we want something better for our life and whether we are prepared to do whatever it takes.
  
  
• If we want something better for our lives we will have to do something different. Just wishing will not make it happen; it takes action.
  
  
• Excellence is something to be pursued and sought after; it doesn't just happen along the way!
  
  
• Take your natural abilities and God-given talents and do your very best with them - not compromising or being complacent with opportunities and responsibilities.
  
  
• Commit to doing more than required in every situation. This is how excellence is established. Excellence often comes out of the EXTRA.
  
  
• We have to CHOOSE to be Excellent. It's a decision and there are sacrifices that go with that decision. Are you willing to make that sacrifice?? That in itself is the first choice.
  
  

Excellence - Crave it, Pursue it, and Go After it!

• Not everyone you have contact with will support your changes. Being excellent often makes others feel uncomfortable. When making changes for yourself it may have a ripple effect on others around you. stay focused and determined. believe in yourself and know what you believe in is the right way for you.
  
  
• Do not be discouraged by those who criticise, mock and the undermine excellence.

Foster the Spirit of Excellence and do not be discouraged by others who do not make the same choices.

A life of excellence is a life worth living!