At the end of the funeral people were mingling and reflecting on a life well lived. Off in the shade of a tree, the groundskeeper waited patiently. I had a question for him: Did he know the location of a gravesite for a childhood friend now gone 35 years?
“Sure,” he answered, then pointed. “You’ll find him in section C, down a steep slope, under a tree, and directly across the lane from Smith’s big stone.”
I looked at the endless sea of markers, then at this man I’d underestimated. “Have you been doing this a while?” I asked.
“17 years,” he said.
“Have you memorized the names on all the stones?”
“Not all of them, but close,” he said with a smile. “People say I’m crazy for working here. But I love it. I’m perfect for this.”
The pursuit of excellence (and its sister, personal fulfillment) is full of risks: You have to expose yourself to those who will think you’re crazy. The judgments of others, real or imagined, will ring loudly: “you shouldn’t,” “you can’t,” and “I’d never do things the way you are” are constant judgments flung at those willing to explore their own brilliance.
Don’t believe the nonsense.
When we quit thinking and acting as we believe others would want us to, we discover what we’re meant to do. Then excellence happens.
What are you perfect for today?
What am I “perfect for today?” Brings to mind a lyric I once listened to in a song, the original author of which I do not know. It read, “I’m not perfect, but I’m perfect for you , and right on time…” This, I believe, affirms the point of the question at hand, moreover, perfection is transitory. Reasonable to conclude as well one could get dangerously stuck if overly fixated on that which is perfect for today.
Notwithstanding, I love myself some excellence! Its altogether different from perfection you see, while at the same time it may lead us to moments of perfection, and many of them if we get it right. Nevertheless, albeit transitory, like perfection, the spirit of excellence makes it nearly impossible to remain stuck in life, circumstance, relationships, and/or a singular opportunity.
Many years ago, back in the mid 90’s dare I say, after reading for a second time the book “the Discipline of Market Leaders,” I had my first epiphany of excellence. It has stuck with me, in a good way, ever since: “Excellence by virtue of itself is unable to find solace among yesterdays laurels. Innately it compels us to reach for higher and ever higher heights, a place not made for mediocrity. Excellence is a journey, honesty and truth. Even when we’re unable to handle the truth it remains pure and steadfast.”
“I am perfect” for sharing this thought because this is where my head is at today. I’m thinking there’s promise for tomorrow as well 🙂
Best to come:
JMD
John – Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You’re perfect in many ways and your focus on continuous improvement and continuous excellence is inspiring. (I’m currently reading The Discipline of Market Leaders and look forward to having a conversation about the book!)
Look forward to it, Theresa!
Great message!
In reflecting on your words, it was the last question that had the most impact. “What are you perfect for today?” Some days I have “big” opportunities for excellence and other day’s those opportunities are small and seemingly insignificant.
I believe that a life of excellence is made up of all those opportunities – big and small. Embracing what I’m perfect for everyday gets me to the end of the day feeling fulfilled!
Well said, Laura! Thanks for the focus on all the opportunities that present themselves (for us to activate) every day.