10 Ways to Strive for Excellence in Life

10 Ways to Strive for Excellence in Life

Most of us are doing our best to juggle it all: career, work, family, health, and self-care. We believe that in order to be our best selves, we should “get the most out of it” and be on the ball in all fields of our lives.

Instead, take time to contemplate the areas in your life that have the most impact and strive to excel in those areas.

Pursuing excellence means always doing your best. But, it also implies that your best will be better than the norm. Anyone can develop a mindset for excellence. But how?

Becoming the Best Version of Ourselves: The Path to Excellence

In our quest for excellence, it's vital to understand that this pursuit is not about chasing an elusive state of perfection. Instead, it's about striving to be a better version of ourselves each day. The journey toward excellence is marked by hard work, a sense of accomplishment, and a commitment to constant learning.

Let's look at ways you can reach towards excellence and prevent setbacks.

1. Know yourself, your strengths, and your weaknesses. Sometimes just writing down a list of your strengths and weaknesses can provide a clear perspective. Note the areas you need to work on and pat yourself on the back for those strengths.

2. Set realistic goals to strive for. Work hard and work smart and do it consistently. Excellence will require that you make efforts to stretch your boundaries, push your limits and live to your highest potential. If you feel as if you are losing your motivation, make yourself accountable to another person. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who will encourage you and help keep you motivated.

3. Focus, focus, focus. Procrastination is your enemy, but so is distraction. Do you make poor decisions? Decisions that distract you from your goals and definitely your ability to seek excellence? Recognize the patterns, then take a few minutes to prioritize and reduce your list to just one week at a time, acknowledging that mistakes and flaws are a natural part of the process.

4. Take care of your mental and physical health. Do you have pride in yourself and your work? Do you get frustrated because your goal isn’t turning out as you first imagined? Take time to refresh, rest and take a break. Don’t let yourself fall into the trap of being a victim. Remember, it's okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

5. Become a sponge for knowledge. Continuous learning broadens your horizons. Stay humble and draw from others who have gone before you. Visit the library and look for books to help you strive for excellence.

6. Be mindful of the company you keep. Surrounding yourself with excellence is a great motivator. Stay away from those negative Nellies.  

7. Always follow through and follow up. Integrity is a value that should be at the top of your list. When you stick to your word and follow through on what you set before you, others will notice. Even more beneficial is that you can look back and see how far you have come. You will inspire others and yourself! 

8. Choosing to excel despite the level of difficulty. This may not be easy. In fact it won’t be. If excellence was easy, no one would choose mediocracy. Keep going. Keep swimming. Remind yourself of the why. Write it down and stick it to your mirror if you have to. But choose to do the hard things.

9. Be open to change. if you resist change and choose to stick to your old ways, you stand to lose out on the endless opportunities and possibilities to grow and better your life. Don’t strive for perfect. Strive for excellence.

10. Maintain an upbeat attitude about yourself and your goal. Excellence is not a goal; it’s a mindset and a way of life. Believe in your ability to become better and you’ll see yourself up at the top.

“Pursuing excellence is so important if we are going to live life to the fullest and make maximum impact on those around us.”

Hard Work and a Sense of Accomplishment:

Striving for excellence requires hard work and dedication. It's about consistently doing your best and challenging yourself to exceed the norm. This process can be both rewarding and challenging, and the sense of accomplishment at the end of each day serves as a powerful motivator.

Remember that excellence isn't a fixed point you reach and then forget about; it's a continuous journey. It's about setting realistic goals that align with your larger life aspirations. Every day, every step you take toward those goals is a triumph in itself. Acknowledge your strengths, and be compassionate about the areas where you need to improve.

Compassion and Healthy Striving:

Compassion is a crucial companion on the road to excellence, both for yourself and others. It's important to approach your journey with kindness and self-forgiveness. Embrace your imperfections, for they are a part of what makes you uniquely human. Healthy striving doesn't involve self-criticism or negative self-talk. It's about the pursuit of improvement with a positive and constructive mindset.

At the end of each day, as you reflect on your progress, remember that the pursuit of excellence isn't about achieving perfection; it's about becoming a better version of yourself. The mindset of excellence is a commitment to personal growth, a belief in your capacity to improve, and a dedication to the journey, no matter how challenging it may be.

As we navigate the complexities of life and juggle various responsibilities, let us remind ourselves that excellence isn't about being the best in every field but rather excelling in the areas that truly matter to us. It's about recognizing our strengths, addressing our weaknesses, and embracing the journey of self-improvement with enthusiasm.

In the end, pursuing excellence means living life to the fullest, making a significant impact on those around us, and evolving into the best version of ourselves, one day at a time. So, let's continue this journey, taking each step with determination, compassion, and a commitment to becoming a better version of ourselves with every passing day.