Why Pursuing Excellence Should Be Your Priority
Excellence is a state of exceptional quality or superiority, and it is a critical value in the field of business and organizations. In today’s competitive world, the pursuit of excellence is what sets successful organizations apart from the rest. From the Latin word “excellentia,” excellence traces its roots back to ancient Greek culture, where it was associated with fulfilling one’s potential and the notion of “arete” or courage and strength in the face of adversity. The concept of excellence can positively impact our lives and businesses.
The Power of Positive Thinking
In Philippians 4:8, Paul challenges us to think about things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and gracious. Our thinking influences the way we respond to our circumstances, and we can choose to view things as either roadblocks or challenges, obstacles, or opportunities. We can focus on our inability or God’s sufficiency. The power of positive thinking can help us achieve excellence by keeping our minds focused on positive outcomes.
Choosing Excellence
We have the power to choose how we respond to our circumstances, and this choice determines whether we excel or fall short. In Ecclesiastes 9:10, we are encouraged to do everything we do with all our might. In
- Philippians 1:9-10, Paul prays for our love to abound in real knowledge and all discernment, so we may approve things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless.
- 2 Corinthians 8:7, we are asked to excel in everything, including faith, speech, knowledge, and eagerness.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13, we are encouraged to increase and excel in love for one another,
- 1 Thessalonians 4:1 and 4:10, we are urged to excel even more in walking and pleasing God and in practicing love towards all brethren.
Pursuing Excellence vs. Superiority
Pursuing excellence should not be confused with the pursuit of superiority. The American Heritage Dictionary defines excellence as the state, quality, or condition of excelling, while superiority refers to being better or greater than others. To excel means to perform at a higher level than others, while surpassing another is to be superior in performance, quality, or degree. Exceeding means going beyond a limit or standard while transcending implies reaching a level so high that comparison is hardly possible. To outdo means to excel in doing or performing.
Excellence is a critical value that should be pursued by individuals and organizations. Positive thinking, intentional focus, and the power of choice are essential tools for achieving excellence. View as a continuous process of improvement and growth toward one’s full potential. By prioritizing excellence, we can set ourselves and our organizations on a path to success and fulfillment.
