Today’s title speak for itself. In my 30+ years of existence, including several years of academic and professional excellence, I have come to learn that perhaps the single most important element in developing an attitude of excellence is consistency in doing the right things – showing up and committing to actions that produce results.

Excellence means going over and above what is expected. Excellence is doing the work you are expected and then adding a touch that reminds whoever sees the work of who did it. Excellence is a waiter serving with a smile. Excellence is a leader leaving an impeccable example; it is settling for nothing less than the best. Excellence begins with mastery, and then proactive efforts to improve on what we have mastered. But mastery only comes from consistency.

While what constitutes excellence differs from one field to another, the actions that produce it are the same. First, excellence requires knowing what is expected of you and taking the time to (learn to) do it properly. The next step is as an improvement-seeking behaviour. When you find that one person looking for simpler, faster and more efficient ways of achieving the same objectives, then you are dealing with an excellent attitude. Excellence is never stopping until you have exceeded your previous best.

Whether learning to meet expectations or looking to exceed them, a common behaviour required is consistency – in setting learning routines, practicing what you have learnt, continuously making corrections or implementing improvement opportunities. When you repeatedly do things until they become a part of you, getting it right and discovering ways to do it better becomes easier because of practice.

Excellence is only predicated on knowing the right things to do. If you do the wrong tasks well, it is of no use to anyone. So, get knowledge and get training. Being deliberate is also key to excellence. Continuous commitment to action in any field or personal endeavor (including character building) produces mastery. Lastly, there can be no excellence without continuous improvement.

Excellent people know how to look for improvements, seek feedback, refine them, and implement the resulting actions in order to keep getting better at what they do. And they know that they can only remain excellent if they are consistent at what they do. So, what are currently working at consistently?

Thanks for stopping by today, and I hope you’ll come by again real soon. Cheers!