Monday, September 10, 2018

Constant

“Excellence isn't a one-week or one-year ideal. It's a constant.” (Michael Jordan)

Excellence is the ability to perform at a consistently high level for an extended period of  time."  (Anonymous) The things we set out to achieve in life help us to be our best as we achieve peak results.  Are you passionate in the pursuit of excellence? Making minor changes in your daily life will make a major difference to the ease with which you fulfill your dreams.

Why settle for mediocrity when five simple changes can lead to a life of excellence? “The secret of living a life of excellence is merely a matter of thinking thoughts of excellence. Really, it’s a matter of programming our minds with the kind of information that will set us free.” (Charles R. Swindoll) The timeless tips below can help anyone achieve excellence in their life:

1.   Appreciation: Focus on the beauty of life. Gratitude always opens the door to happiness. Be grateful all you have. Many in our world aren’t as lucky. When you’re feeling a little down, turn to appreciation. Take time every day to breathe a sigh of thanks for the amazing people, your Heavenly Father, wonderful situations, and joyful times you’ve had. Value your life.


It’s the only one you’ve got. It won’t last forever. Be willing to share your appreciation of others. Practice being their biggest fan. Tell them. Don’t assume they know of your admiration. A little praise might make a big difference to someone.

 

2.   Commitment: If you’d have begun anything last year, or the year before you’d be twelve or twenty four months better at it than you are today. Don’t let that stop you.  Begin now.  But only commit yourself to what’s best for you. Desire is what stirs your soul into movement, but its persistence, and a relentless commitment that gets you there.

That’s the price you pay for success. Each time we break a promise we’re radiating vibrations of how untrustworthy we are. We’re out of touch with our values and our true authentic self.  You’re going to make choices that won’t please everyone in your life. Just make sure at the end of the day that you’ve lived a life that you’re proud of.

3.   Cultivate optimism: Don’t let your negative tendencies overwhelm you. Have you noticed how easy it is to let doubt cloud your optimism? Fear stalls confidence, which can be worn away by worry. Feelings of anger or fear can undermine your optimism.   Surprises happen. Shock happens.

Life happens. If we go looking for disaster around every corner there’s a good chance we’re going to find it. Try redirecting the energy used for looking for what’s wrong with your life and begin guiding it towards looking for what’s right. Never forget you are the powerful source that transforms old habits into new disciplines that bring your dreams to life.

4.   Daily disciplines: Each day presents us with sets of decisions. The important thing is that you make choices that lead to your happy future. “Excellence is not an act,, but a habit and the most successful among us have developed success habits. Every choice they make sets them up for the results they want.” (Aristotle) Wasting a day, leaving things until tomorrow, ignoring problems, or frequently complaining might seem unimportant.

Outcomes seldom appear instantly.  One bad habit merges into the next, piling one on top of the other until the day of reckoning when they come crashing down. You discover you’re miles away from where you thought you were going. Imagine taking a trip from New York to Los Angeles but each day you’re half an inch away from the proper route.

It doesn’t seem like much; but at the end of the journey you’re more likely to find yourself in Canada than California. That’s the cumulative effect in action. Be courageous enough to recognize you laid the groundwork for life as it is today. If you find yourself a long way down the wrong road, be smart enough to turn around before you end up where you never wanted to go. Remember you can do amazing things once you’ve made the decision to do so.

5.   Positive influence: One of the biggest challenges in life is becoming a selective listener. Much of who you are right now is an accumulation of the influence of others. There’s a daily input of influencers. Some who have larger than life personalities? Some who inspire. Choosing selective listening allows you to tune out the voices that don’t lead towards the fulfillment of your desires.  Make it a habit every day to listen to or read something that contributes to your well being, happiness, and success.

Others have shared their experience, knowledge, and wisdom to encourage you to rearrange your entire philosophy on life, and create the habits that turn your dreams into reality. Be strong enough to change your thinking. If you want something different, you must be someone different and do something different. Rise above the voices of negativity. Immerse yourself in positive and uplifting influences and update your approach to your life.

“Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.” (Jessica Guidobono)[i]




[i] Sources used:

·        “12 Steps to Living an Excellent Life” by Ayodeji Awosika

·        “5 Things You Can Do To Live a Life of Excellence” by Elle Sommer

·        “8 Timeless Tips to Achieve Excellence in Life” by Celestine Chua
 

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