Excellence Matters
When we think about excellence, what comes to most of our minds is achieving a top grade in academics, breaking a world record in sports, a software engineer developing a high-quality and innovative product, or a musician delivering a flawless and emotionally resonant performance. If these define excellence, is excellence attainable only by the elite? Because not everyone has access to opportunities, education, resources, training, and support to become the best. If that is the case, should the rest of us settle for mediocrity and survive? No, excellence is for everyone.
What is excellence
Excellence is not about being better than others but about being the best version of oneself. It refers to the pursuit of one’s highest potential- intellectually, emotionally, practically, and ethically. It is displayed by individuals who are highly skilled in their craft, deliver more than expected, and are honest, respectful, and trustworthy in their dealings. For example, consider a plumber. If he is skilled, honest, does a good job, and maintains a positive attitude, you will likely seek him out again, even if his rates are higher. Such individuals exemplify excellence, whether they are a janitor or a CEO. Striving for excellence inspires and uplifts those around us, and it honors God.
Competition may not produce excellence
Competition can be a powerful catalyst for growth, innovation, quality improvement, and cost reduction. On a human level, it can ignite ambition, sharpen focus, and fuel creativity. The educational system, corporate recognition, sports, and professions consistently encourage and reward those who rise above the rest. Competition has become an integral part of every human psyche. Unfortunately, it has reached a point where the common purpose is breaking down, replaced by rivalry instead of relationship, and a trade-off between connection and comparison, that is, “me and you” for “me vs. you.” Thus, people tend to view others as obstacles or tools rather than partners or friends.
A competitive mindset often makes us feel discontented when we see someone with outstanding achievements. We long for their success and admire them with a subtle sense of resentment. When they fail, we enjoy a sense of satisfaction. We often don’t realize that this is unhealthy envy. It makes us isolated from them. On the other hand, when we outdo someone, we expect admiration, appreciation, or validation. We begin to believe that we deserve those accolades. We often fail to realize that it is pride. If unchecked, it corrupts us from within and diminishes who we are meant to be. A Christian who always strives to outdo others and prove that their performance is better than others can unintentionally alienate those around them.
Perfection is not excellence
Perfection demands strict standards and flawlessness, while excellence involves a dynamic pursuit of continual growth. Building an aircraft requires perfection; every bolt, all types of equipment, connections, and panels must adhere to exact specifications. In contrast, flying that aircraft requires excellence, as it involves constant attention to changing conditions such as weather, wind speed and direction, passenger and cargo weight, and various other factors. The pilot must continuously adjust thrust and wing angles to keep the plane airborne and guide it safely to its destination.
Therefore, pursuing excellence entails adopting a mindset focused on learning and growth. In contrast, individuals with a perfectionist mindset often hold rigid views about different aspects of life; they typically see things only from their own perspective and may struggle to consider others' viewpoints. While striving for perfection can be beneficial, it is important to be mindful that an excess may distance us from others.
Excellence comes from purposeful action
A journalist, while reporting on a dam construction site, spoke with the chief executive engineer overseeing the entire project. “Sir,” he asked, “you’re solely responsible for this massive undertaking, how do you feel?” The engineer replied, “I’m just overseeing the project assigned to me.” A few miles away, the journalist encountered a laborer hammering away at rocks, his work repetitive, physically taxing, and placed low on the organizational hierarchy. Curiously, the journalist posed a similar question: “You break stones all day, how do you feel?” The man looked up and responded, “I am not just breaking stones, I’m building that dam you see over there that is going to irrigate thousands of hectares of farmland.”
Neither answer is wrong. Yet the laborer’s response reveals a powerful truth: his sense of purpose shapes how he sees himself and his contribution. That perspective transforms even the humblest task into excellent work. It is not just about being a plumber, but an excellent plumber. By becoming that, we become likeable individuals and make the world a better place.
Excellence isn’t exclusive
As Christian witnesses, you must recognize that excellence is for everyone. Excellence is not an elite club; it is a mindset anyone can adopt. Excellence is being and doing your best, and if needed, going the extra mile. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Matthew 5:41. It attracts people, opportunities, and makes us likable Christians.