_edited.png){kind=small}
Excellence is an easy word to throw around. You probably use it all the time as an adjective without considering the true meaning. What you might not do is think about excellence in the context of your life. Unfortunately, getting caught up in the paralysis of perfectionism rather than the energy of excellence is all too easy, but you can shift that perspective.
The same, but different
These words might be used interchangeably, but when you consider the implications of actually achieving excellence or perfection, the two concepts start to separate. Perfectionism and excellence can feel like they’re connected—but they couldn't be more different.
You probably know from experience that perfection is impossible, built on unrealistic and unhealthy expectations that are rooted in comparison and judgment. Perfectionism is outward facing. You’re protecting yourself from criticism at all costs, trying to project an image of control and flawlessness. This punitive approach is repressive and self-defeating.
The difference between excellence and perfection is that excellence is possible. You can always improve on what you did before by growing and learning. Pursuing excellence is an inward-facing, aspirational drive to develop new skills and better yourself. Ultimately, your goal is to find the best in yourself.
Pushing yourself toward your version of excellence can come from a place of inspiration and compassion, from knowing your value and capabilities. Unlike perfection, you’re competing against yourself, and your progress isn’t something to beat yourself up over. Rather, you’re recognizing what’s valuable and worth cultivating in yourself.
What excellence means to me
When I teach, my goal is always excellence. I prepare for each class by telling myself this will be the best class I’ve ever taught. I treat each session like a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience because that perspective compels me to do my best work. I’m proud of my teaching achievements, and I want to protect and elevate what I’ve done before. I have set a standard for myself that makes doing the bare minimum or not caring difficult.
To be clear, I’m not trying to be the perfect instructor according to the world’s criteria. I know that’s neither realistic nor attainable. I do, however, want to meet and exceed my previous performance.
An excellent life
The pursuit of excellence is a way you choose to live your life. You can approach how you work toward your goals from a place of compassion because you know what you’re capable of and what you deserve. You don’t have to punish yourself when you don’t live up to your own expectations. When that happens, and it will happen, the desire for excellence can fuel you to pick yourself up and improve.
Excellence is all about attitude, and you can be inspired to make positive changes to support and encourage this outlook. Maybe you need to get more sleep so you’re focused and healthier. Or perhaps you should create boundaries so you have more time for yourself. This could even mean you make choices that protect you from burnout.
Don’t give up
When facing a difficult moment, saying, “Okay, fine, this is good enough,” may feel easier. And sometimes that’s true—good enough is just fine. The problem arises when you accept good enough out of exhaustion or defeat.
Self-doubt can fool you into believing you can’t do better or aren’t worthy of excellence. And sometimes, you become complacent because you think what you’re doing isn’t going to get any better or won’t matter in the long run.
Make excellence a gift you give yourself. You’re at your best when you pursue what feels right to you, rather than what others say should meet your standards. Sometimes, your efforts will lead to success. Other times, you may fall short. But if you pour your best into the work, you can take pride in your accomplishments—because you did it for yourself.