A number of years ago, my wife and I received a gift from some friends to enjoy: two days at a 5-star hotel in Miami at our friend’s expense. We were celebrating a special occasion, and our friends wanted to bless us (those are good friends right there!) in a way that we wouldn’t have been able to do for ourselves, especially at that particular time in our lives. When we arrived at the hotel and pulled into the main entrance, it was beautiful. The grounds and landscaping were flawless. The valet who greeted us not only took care of our car but assisted us with our bags. As we walked to the front desk to check in, the person who welcomed us already knew our names (without us being aware) thanks to the bellman, and she referenced both of us by our first names. It was as if she had known us all our lives. When we arrived in our room, it was immaculate. The way the room was set up and arranged, and by the little “extras,” you could tell they had given careful attention to just about everything we could possibly need and want. From the smells in the atmosphere to the smallest of details, the hospitality we received and the spirit of excellence we experienced left us feeling inspired!
That is what excellence does…it inspires us. It enlarges our vision of what could be and should be in almost every area of our lives. Often, we associate excellence with money or status or success. However, excellence is not a destination…that’s perfection. Excellence is the journey itself. Excellence means to excel, to surpass, to reach higher, to dig deeper, to stretch further so we reach our full potential and fulfill a greater purpose in our lives.
How do we live with a spirit of excellence that leaves a ripple effect on people’s lives around us? Here is what I have learned through the years from others who have taught me, inspired me and challenged me to carry a spirit of excellence in my own life.
Establish a Firm Foundation.
The foundation of your life will dictate the excellence it holds. What is the foundation of your life made of? Contractors and engineers will tell you the single most important part to a building, house or structure is the foundation. However, when you invite people over to your home, you don’t invite them over and say, “Check out the awesome foundation of this place!” Of course not; we show them the granite countertops, the new decor or the details in the woodwork. However, we must keep in mind that all of those things we see and notice rest on the foundation. The foundation of our lives represents what’s inside of us: our heart, our beliefs and values. What’s in you will flow through you. Our motivation for excellence should never be about ourselves. It should serve as an inspiration to others to inspire them to reach higher and stretch further to reach their full potential.
Play Your Part.
We all have a role to play and a part to fulfill. Whether it’s in our home, at work, at our child’s school or in our community, we all can help to make a difference by carrying a spirit of excellence in everything we do. When we don’t play our part, there is a hole created, a need unmet and an opportunity missed. I love the acrostic spelled T.E.A.M., which stands for Together Everyone Achieves More. It takes teamwork to make the dream work in all areas of life.
Be Prepared.
When excellence is our spirit, it is a 24/7 pursuit. We don’t show up in life and hope everything works out. Remember, excellence is a journey, not a destination. Look at your life physically, relationally, spiritually, mentally, financially and emotionally. What are you doing on a daily basis to become excellent, to grow, to excel and to surpass? It’s not about the hand you’ve been dealt, it’s about what you choose to do with what is in your hand.
Let’s stop and rethink what excellence is all about. Remember, excellence is not what we do…it’s who we are!
Rodney Gage is an author, speaker and the founding pastor of ReThink Life Church. His passion is to help people live life on purpose. To learn more, check out rethinklife.com.
Quote to use: “Excellence is not what we do…it’s who we are.”
