Excellence Begins in Your Head
Excellence is learned.
You might be a little more talented than some, but excellence always begins above your neck.
“I’m hellbent convinced that what makes the best performers in the world good is really above the neck and between the ears.” Eric Potterat, PhD, co-author of, Learned Excellence: Mental Disciplines for Leading and Winning from the World’s Top Performers
The engine of excellence:
Purpose fuels pursuit.
Know why your goal matters to you. It’s not about your board, team, boss, or co-workers. External motivations don’t satisfy when hills get steep.
Why are you climbing the hill?
Suppose you decide to go on a diet because a friend teased you about gaining weight. Friends matter, but the heart of pursuit is about you. The question is why does it matter to YOU?
Leaders serve others, but the pursuit of excellence is all about you.
Extrinsic motivation:
- Money.
- Promotions.
- Recognition.
- Fear of punishment.
- Social approval.
Extrinsic motivations energize in the short-term. Intrinsic motivations are sustainable.
Intrinsic motivations:
- Autonomy.
- Mastery.
- Self-respect.
- Personal change.
- Inner satisfaction.
Pursuit is best fueled by actions that express who you are, not what others expect of you.
Excellence is process driven:
Amateurs focus on outcomes. Professionals focus on the process.
Outcomes take care of themselves when you’re militantly consistent with the process.
Use a tactical process to pursue the greater vision.
I loved my conversation with Eric Potterat, PhD.
Check it out…
Help others be excellent:
The best way to help others reach high is to reach high yourself.
- What is your mindset of success?
- What is your process?
- What is your definition of high achievement in various aspects of life? (Work, home, personal, community)
- How are you practicing self-care?
- How are you sharing your pursuit with others?
Tip: Remarkable success requires others.
The world’s best – in any discipline – surround themselves with the best.
How do you help others become excellent?
How can you be excellent today?
Still curious: The Simple Path to Extraordinary Excellence
Excellent reminder about key elements that drive us toward succes. Thank you!
Thanks, Don. Here’s to the drive.
Dubai Ruler once said that in the journey to excellence, there is No finish line.
Love that, CV. If you think you’ve attained excellence, you’re probably comparing yourself with those who don’t do as well as you. Better to compare yourself with yourself.
Thanks Dan. I recall you have said – that is a feature of “champion mindset.” Competing with yourself first.
You have a good memory, CV. Thanks for all your comments.
This is a great article for adults! I wonder who this works with children of school age (7-18) and how they find the motivation to do what is needed without really understanding the big picture at such young ages.
Love your questions, lalilaw. I wonder if big picture thinking is too big for children? Perhaps they get it a little.