Excellence is what we should all strive for. This doesn't in any way mean perfection, which in my opinion is unattainable as there is always room for improvement and things evolve over time. Striving for excellence is all about evolving your aptitude. You should be constantly looking to take on new skills and knowledge in anything that you are a part of. This will allow you to grow over time and increase the level of complexity and sophistication that you are able to take on for an organization.
"Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing." - Harriet Braiker
Being able to step back and take an internal assessment of where you believe you are in relation to aptitude for areas of importance to your future success. Being self-critical is important as the goal is to position yourself for improving those areas that are lacking. This may also require that you ask a trusted source that knows you well to make the same type of assessment. Between the two assessments is a happy medium to where you should put your focus for committing to excellence.
The Military strongly believes in this core strength as its' imperative that we stay ahead of our adversaries and that those who are serving in the Military are ready at a moment's notice to answer the call of defending our freedoms.
There are many benefits to having a commitment to Excellence as a core strength:
- You are always working on improving your aptitude
- You are a role model for those around you
- Positions you for greater opportunity
- The organizations you are part of are better off
I had the honor of serving on the Defense Intelligence Agency Combating Terrorism team post 9/11. I was a federal contractor brought in to stand up and manage the IT infrastructure that the analyst's would use to do their very important work. This was a very stressful environment with long days that led into each other. However due to the mission that we were charged with these obstacles were of no importance. I spent six years on this team and was presented an aware of Continuous Excellence when I left for the Federal Bureau of Investigations combatting terrorism team. Of all the awards I've ever received this one has the most value. Not only because of the mission but because I was personally able to sustain a level of excellence in one of the most challenging environments I've ever worked in. My aptitude certainly far exceeded my own expectations in growth over the many years supporting this mission. I've been able to take that aptitude and lessons learned to apply to new opportunities
How can you make being committed to excellence a core strength in your day to day life? Do you currently have this as a core strength?
Landmark Life Coaching's Mission is to honorably and respectfully serve courageous groundbreakers and transitioning veterans to persevere in defining and executing their future by providing an atmosphere of comradery and trust that honors their dedication and commitment. This will empower our clients to feel whole, honored, respected and fulfilled in defining and living their life purpose.
Veterans Coach/Speaker/Writer
Dwayne.paro@landmarklifecoaching.com