STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE OR MEDIOCRITY? #RRBC #Inspiration

“One of the most powerful ways for you to change your way of thinking about yourself is for you to commit to excellence.  It is to make the decision, right now, to be the best, to join the top 10 percent in your field, no matter how long it takes.  The very act of thinking of yourself as potentially excellent at what you do, actually changes your mind-set and improves your personality.  It makes you happier and raises your self-esteem.  You like and respect yourself more, just by deciding to be the best.”

 “Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life” by Brian Tracy

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I decided long ago to be the best…not just in my field, but at everything I went after.  I was the best public speaker in school (beginning in 6th grade), the best school announcer in junior high and the best public speaker from then on.  I was the best reader in class (I hated math and science, so I wasn’t the best there, but I didn’t try to be…LOL), I was the best student and I graduated in the top of my class.   It came as no surprise to anyone that I’d grow up and have a great desire to want to produce the best daughters (I have…and am extremely proud of that), but in everything that I have done in my career, I have striven to be the best at it and anything bearing my name, has reflected as such.  The name Nonnie Jules is synonymous with EXCELLENCE.

 

There is a common theme which flows throughout my life, and it is EXCELLENCE.  In my opinion, when you settle for anything less, it is a direct reflection on who you are.  I’ve heard it said that there is no such thing as “perfection,” and I will beg to differ.  I think that is a cop-out for those who want to “settle.”  Well, settling is not apart of my DNA; striving to be the best, striving for EXCELLENCE, is.  I remember a very wise woman often saying:  “Excuses are worn-out tools used to build monuments of nothing.”  She was right, and because I live those words, I don’t offer up excuses and I’m not very accepting of them, either, truth be told.

 

Some may think me arrogant (that is their opinion which they are entitled to).  I’m aware that many choose to see arrogance instead of high self-esteem.  In life, for the naysayers, it’s always better (in their minds) to attach a negative label, than an honest one, but I know that I’m a strong, independent lady with very high self-esteem.  I also know that there are many intimidated by those with high self-esteem, and the fact that I’m female, adds much more fuel to the fire.  Even so, I make no apologies for being me.  I don’t need anyone to toot my horn, because my hands work very well at tootin’.  I don’t need anyone to praise me to make me feel good about myself, because I already do.  And lastly, I don’t need anyone to tell me that I’m good at this, that, and the other (translation…I don’t need validating)…I’ve worked extremely hard to be good at what I know I’m good at.  Some of us downplay our greatest talents, to make others feel better about themselves.  Well, “not I” said the cat!

 

It’s no different with the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB.  There are policies and procedures in place there so that we retain our reputation as the best book club around.  I strive to make it the best, even down to the very last dotted “I” and crossed “T” in our written communication.  In paying such great attention to even the smallest of details, I hope that we will continue to be known for the EXCELLENT support we give to our members and to each other, and also the excellency we lend to every bit of organization which we display in the operation of this club.  We know that our members appreciate the caliber of excellence which we deliver, as opposed to the negativity and stagnant complacency found in other groups.  You don’t become the BEST by accident, it takes hard work, determination and drive, and with all of that, there is accountability.  I’m accountable for all that I do and say here…I expect to be held accountable for my actions,  and I also expect the same from each of my fellow members.  We are the face of RRBC, and we should always ensure that we are committing to EXCELLENCE in all that we do, especially in our written works and our behavior towards others.

 

The inspiration and motivation that I’d like to leave you with today is, you’re only a second-class citizen if you ALLOW yourself to be.  I am always in first class and always associated with EXCELLENCE (in my mind, in my  business, and in my personal life), because it is where, and how I choose to be.  No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.  Don’t let others’ opinions of you, keep you from being your best.  Today, and every day, let’s all choose EXCELLENCE, in our thinking, in our writing, in every area of our lives.  If we choose it, if we work at it, eventually, we will become it.

 

I’m sure I’m often called lots of things, but I hope somewhere in all those adjectives (good and bad) used to describe me, someone was able to see that I truly strove for excellence.

 

How about you? Are you striving for Excellence or mediocrity? And yes, before some say “Well, you don’t have to strive to be mediocre,” know that some do.  Some are so talented yet, they “dummy” themselves down to make others feel more superior…therefore, they are exceptional, but striving to be mediocre.  Do you believe that there is no such thing as “perfection?”  Are you striving for Excellence in all areas of your life, or are you satisfied with mediocrity?  We’d love to hear your thoughts below.

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