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the Life Coach
The pursuit of excellence:
going above and beyond |
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ith the 2010 winter Olympics happening in Vancouver, it’s the perfect opportunity to consider excellence. The Olympics showcase the world’s top athletes, but let’s broaden this topic and consider every individual’s quest for excellence. Whether in athletics, work-life, parenting, relationships, or the arts, every person has the capacity for greatness – the greatness that comes from giving all you have to give, in all that you do. Unlike the Olympics, it isn’t about comparing yourself to others; the perfect 10 will vary from person to person, and from day to day.
Everyday greatness
Picture this: I was 9 months pregnant with two children under five, having lunch in a bustling downtown restaurant packed with fabulous people having fabulous conversations. My usually delightful two year old, excited by the buzz, picked this day to refuse to sit down. As I considered leaving, our server, Maria, noticed and took him for a short walk, returning with paper and pens. She made me feel welcome and calm; we had a great time as a result. Maria is the perfect example of going above and beyond – of striving for excellence. |
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The larger purpose in the pursuit of excellence
Instead of defining her job as just ‘serving lunch’, Maria tapped into a larger purpose, perhaps ‘making people’s lives better by providing a memorable dining experience’. She saw a busy mom who needed a few minutes to eat lunch in peace, not an annoying customer who shouldn’t bring her kids to that restaurant.
As I watch the Canadian Olympic athletes in TV commercials who ask, “Do you
believe?” my answer is a resounding “YES!” I believe in every individual’s capacity for greatness. I believe in the pursuit of excellence. I believe in the sense of purpose and
accomplishment that occurs when one strives for excellence. I believe that each one of
us can make the world a better place, one act of greatness at a time. Do you believe? H&L |
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