For many people, those who ‘excel’ at something do so because they have been given a ‘God given’ talent. A talent which, for the majority of us, would be inaccessible. For me, it’s something totally different.
I believe that excelling at something is simply the result of application. Of course, if you have an aptitude for something and also excel at it, then the result can be truly awe inspiring, but I believe we can all excel at anything if we apply ourselves.
I don’t believe application should be a road to some other goal per se: “If I do this for long enough, I’ll get that promotion/become the best/achieve that goal.” True excel-lence, for me, is a goal in itself: the desire to do the best one can being the sole reason for doing it.
I have met many ‘bedroom musicians’ who are extraordinary masters of their craft but who have never played a concert in their life. Porters, bakers or candlestick makers who give their best every day simply because they feel it’s their job to just that. Not for any personal gain or a road to something more. Simply to hone their craft.
For me, true excellence is simply the power of application. Enjoying the process of doing something for doing’s sake, not for a secondary goal. Turning up, time after time and giving 100% just because it’s what they do.
In my mind, these people are the true excellers. People who shine. People with the purest intentions. And I doff my hat with thanks to you if you’re one of those. You make the world sparkle. You make the mundane extraordinary.