Excellence is defined as continuously striving to improve. It is not an event but a habit. We are what we continuously do. It is said that ‘we make our habits then our habits make us’. Excellence also refers to happiness of a life well lived, it is being prosperous or fulfilled.
You were born to excel. Remember you were successfully born and have survived to date against immeasurable odds. It is crucial for individuals to understand that they do not necessarily have to be number one in class or elsewhere to realize that they were born to excel. All they need to know is that they have the in-built power from creation to be the best that they can and then seek ways to improve. It is true that the individuals who end up being number one just learnt the secret of frustrating traditions. They have appreciated their current position and have a strong believe that there is room for improvement. They look forward to the future with confidence, knowing well that it presents fresh opportunities for growth as well as new discoveries.
Think about this, that you are you are alive today, in good health and with a functional brain. If you woke up today, it means that you have another chance in life. It does not matter how bad things have been, they can always get better and it begins with a personal realization of the need for change. The problem is that most people wait too long for the perfect conditions that never seem to exist.
Another major factor to realize is that you are a true original, a unique creation in your own respect. You may have some weaknesses but then who doesn’t? The truth is that you have a lot of strengths if only you can open your eyes and look around. My challenge to people is usually to appreciate their strengths and capitalize on them to move forward rather than wallow in self pity in the face of a few weaknesses.
Do you despise stagnation and mediocrity? Are you thirsty for real change in your life? Do you love success and accolades? If you are unhappy with your current circumstances, then you are on the right track. Give yourself a pat on the back and then move into full throttle to bring in the much needed change.
Take stock of your successes today. After all, we can only start from where we are, appreciate how we got there and then have a purposeful sense of direction. Martin Luther King Jr. once said that if you cannot do great things, then do small things in a great way. You life is already a success waiting to happen. Remember that success comes in small bit sizes. Strive to be a little better today than you were yesterday. In addition you will never be alone in this game. There are limitless people, resources and opportunities available for you to tap into, only if you can wake up and realize it.
Author: Goretti Kimani for the Standard Newspaper, Careers Section
