Do you strive for excellence, or accept average? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.
“One key to knowing joy is to be easily pleased.”
“I once was better at this than I am.”
Image from Unsplash by Jimmy Conover
Our quote today deeply resonates with anyone striving for excellence — in business, sports, or personal growth.
True expertise speaks for itself, transcending the need for self-promotion.
As a coach, I’ve seen how genuine confidence comes not from boasting, but from consistent quality work.
It’s the difference between fleeting bravado and lasting impact.
In a world quick to celebrate overt achievement, Payton’s words remind us to pursue mastery with humility and persistence.
Let your actions elevate you above the noise, and trust that others will recognize excellence on its own terms.
That’s a lesson beyond performance — it’s about character, integrity, and the quiet power of being truly great.
EXERCISE:
In what ways do you demonstrate the character and integrity to let your actions speak louder than words?
What people in your world set a great example of these qualities, to guide and coach you to be an even better version of yourself?
Image from Unsplash by Kaja Kadlecova
In our journey of personal and professional excellence, it’s easy to get caught up in past experiences, whether positive or negative.
While reflection is valuable, dwelling excessively on yesterday can rob us of the precious moments we have right now.
Today is a gift, brimming with new opportunities for learning, growth, and positive change. By focusing on the present, we open ourselves to fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.
As we navigate life’s challenges, let’s remember to honor our past without being anchored by it. Instead, Let’s channel our energy into making the most of today to create even better tomorrows.
EXERCISE:
How much of your today’s are used up by your yesterdays?
How would a clean slate for each new day help you realize far more of your potential for growth and achievement?
Do you strive for excellence, or accept average? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.
“One key to knowing joy is to be easily pleased.”
“You’re Astonishing! How dare you waste it!”
“Just because you can’t keep up doesn’t mean you can’t show up.”
Image from Unsplash by Meghan Holmes
The 2024 summer Olympics begin on Friday July 26th. If you’re a fan like me, you’ll be tuned into this global event, watching over 10,000 athletes pursue new levels of excellence and those elusive medals.
My coaching career was inspired by the 5,000+ athletes and 2,000+ coaches at the 1992 Barcelona games.
Seeing the correlation between coaching and the highest levels of performance in sport inspired me to raise my own bar of achievement and help others pursue new levels of success in their personal and professional lives.
EXERCISE:
Where in your world do you see the bar being raised to new heights?
How and in what ways are you preparing for your personal Olympics with the goal of having a gold medal life?
Image from Unsplash by Colton Sturgeon
Today’s quote made me smile and frown at the same time—I love being happily surprised and astonished by amazing people, places, and things.
Seeing what is possible become realized inspires me to continue my own pursuit of excellence.
What have you done or achieved in your life which astonished yourself and others?
How far back do you need to go to recall these memories?
What have you done more recently that raises eyebrows and has more than a few jaws drop?
EXERCISE:
Who do you know that astonishes you?
When did you last tell them about your thoughts and feelings?
How much of your potential for excellence and greatness is still in the tank?
Image from Unsplash by Armand Khoury
Where are you still climbing the ladders of life? Where do you continue to learn, grow, and achieve new levels of excellence and mastery?
Where have you peaked in your personal and professional efforts? Where it is harder to keep up with your former self?
In what areas of your life have you noticed declines in physical or mental capacities, and how well are you doing navigating this descent?
Consider reading Brook’s book From Strength to Strength and pay particular attention to the concepts of fluid versus crystalized intelligence. These concepts were first described by Raymond Cattell in his 1971 book, Abilities: Structure, Growth, and Action.
I hope these resources offer you evidence and that we can all keep getting better in ways we may previously not have considered.
Image from Unsplash by NordWood Themes
We live in a world of constant comparison. It is driving many of us crazy.
Foolishly we believe that constantly pursuing excellence in all things is a sign of worldliness and higher status. Consider this list:
When we see ourselves as special, deserving only the best, we can become isolated. When no one or no-thing can meet our high standards on every occasion we are guaranteed to be let down.
What if instead, we seek to discover the specialness in all things that come our way as a path toward greater joy and happiness?
Consider reading Factfulness by Hans Rosling. I am sure you will be even more easily pleased with your life.
Go back in time and take a look at your report cards from your days at school. How were your grades, what were your favorite subjects? Where did you intentionally pursue and achieve levels of excellence?
How have things been going for you in your personal and professional worlds since those days? What would your report card look like today, given the many roles you play in your various communities?
In what areas and in what ways have you developed the habit of pursuing excellence in matters both big and small?
What are a few areas of your life in which an adjustment of both attitude and effort would make the biggest difference and help you achieve big things?
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It was the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games that inspired me to become a coach. Here were some of the best athletes in the world, and they all worked with a coach to pursue and achieve excellence in their chosen sport.
Where are you currently pursuing personal or professional excellence?
Did you know that based on current market prices, a 2016 Gold Medal is worth about $587, given that it is composed of 494 grams of silver and 6 grams of gold?
What do you think these symbols of extraordinary effort and achievement are worth to these remarkable athletes? What would you imagine is the intrinsic value of the Olympic experience?
In what ways do you live a gold medal life?
What in your life do you consider priceless?
Take some time today to be more fully grateful for all the blessings and riches we sometimes forget.