There is a clear distinction between success and excellence. Success is often measured by comparison to others, while excellence is about reaching a level that cannot be compared. Striving for excellence can multiply your mental strength tenfold compared to simply pursuing success. To achieve excellence, you must tap into your inner and mental strength, and commit 100% to becoming the best version of yourself. Excellence is inherently based on an internal standard—your own standard. In the following context, "Siyidaty" (a women’s magazine) introduces key principles for achieving excellence in life.
What is the True Definition of Excellence?
Excellence is not merely about achieving goals—it’s about the life you live, the efforts you put forth, and the satisfaction of realizing your potential. Amal Bahjat Abu Khair, a human development consultant and family support specialist, says: "Success and excellence are not true goals themselves; they are the results of how we live, work, strive, and aim for something meaningful. True excellence is determined by the individual, depending on how well they achieve their goals and the efficiency of the strategies they use to reach them. Excellence makes you stand out in a way that success alone cannot."
10 Keys to Excellence in Life
Key 1: Set a Plan
According to Amal, having a plan is the first key to excellence. It involves having a clear vision of what success looks like for you, setting specific goals, and knowing exactly what you want in life. A well-defined plan helps you stay focused. If you don’t set clear goals, you may never achieve them. "A good plan helps you align your actions with your aspirations," she says.
Key 2: Prepare for the Unexpected
Sometimes, one mistake can ruin the best-laid plans. Being prepared for the unexpected can make all the difference between failing to achieve your goals and achieving excellence despite challenges. Life is unpredictable, and adaptability is essential for overcoming obstacles.
Key 3: Focus on Your Goals
While developing your strategies and building strong habits, you’ll find that time is often limited. You won't be able to focus on every single goal at once. Use your time wisely by focusing on the activities that matter most. Margaret Thatcher once said, "I don’t know anyone who reached the top without hard work." Consistent effort will bring you closer to excellence, even if the journey is long.
Key 4: Cultivate Good Habits
Having big ideas and ambitious goals is wonderful, but they won’t matter unless you turn them into actionable habits. Once you develop good habits, momentum will build, and daily routines will help you achieve your goals while reducing stress. The consistency of good habits will allow you to focus your mental energy on tasks that require more effort.
Key 5: Learn from Your Mistakes
Success and excellence are often paved with failures. According to Amal, each failure is unique, but it’s often through failure that we learn and grow. Don’t expect to succeed right away. Redefine your goals after setbacks, and view mistakes as opportunities for growth. Even if you don't get the first place, remember that every challenge is a step toward excellence.
Key 6: Try a Different Approach
The path to success and excellence is rarely straightforward. There are challenges, setbacks, and turning points, but there’s always more than one way to approach a goal. If something doesn’t work the first time, try again from a new angle. Take a fresh approach, try different methods, or seek advice from others. This willingness to adapt is crucial for achieving excellence.
Key 7: Embrace Smart Risks
Taking risks can be daunting, but calculated risks are necessary for growth. Amal emphasizes that learning to take risks is a skill that takes time. Start with small risks and build your resilience. Don’t let comfort be the sole factor in your decisions. Seek out opportunities that challenge you and stretch your limits.
- Act quickly, learn quickly: When you decide to take risks, be swift and effective in your actions.
- Always fight for something meaningful: Find causes and projects that truly matter to you.
Key 8: Learn from the Professionals
Excellence doesn’t have one-size-fits-all solutions. Studying the approaches of successful people can teach you valuable lessons. Start by researching individuals who have achieved what you're aiming for. Observe their habits, strategies, and philosophies. Learning from experts and applying their insights will accelerate your own journey.
Key 9: Master the Art of Saying No
One of the common themes among successful individuals is their ability to say no when necessary. Learning to refuse opportunities that don’t align with your goals is part of achieving excellence. Saying no isn’t about being rude or dismissive; it’s about preserving your time and energy for what truly matters. Knowing your boundaries is an essential skill for personal growth.
Key 10: Invest in Relationships
Building and maintaining relationships is crucial. People come from diverse backgrounds and possess different perspectives, which can enrich your life and broaden your opportunities. One of the most important relationships you can invest in is with someone who stands by you during difficult times, not necessarily someone with powerful "connections," but someone who values you for who you are. Strong relationships can support you in your quest for excellence.
Conclusion:
Achieving success is difficult, but excellence is even more challenging. However, excellence is not impossible to attain. You may face numerous setbacks along the way, but don’t let them discourage you. Sometimes you need to experience defeat to understand who you are, what you can recover from, and how you can move forward. Even when the road seems long, continue on your path to reach the summit of excellence. The key is to never give up, keep learning, and always strive to be your best self.
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