Setting a Personal Standard of Excellence at Work

As professionals, we often strive for success, but what drives us to achieve it? For me, it's the relentless pursuit of excellence. In today's work environment, a personal standard of excellence is more than a competitive edge; it's a foundation for success. Excellence is not a destination but a journey, marked by continuous learning, intentional choices, and a commitment to quality in all areas of one’s work (and may I say, life!).

In my journey as a healthcare professional, I've come to realize that excellence is not solely dependent on skills or experience. Rather, it's the culmination of intentional habits, deliberate actions, and a deep commitment to quality all the way. Excellence is often described as going "above and beyond," but it also encompasses other values. It’s about consistency, integrity, and courage—the courage to embrace challenges head-on and the integrity to do things right, even when nobody’s watching. Excellence requires self-accountability and a deep sense of respect for oneself and others.

Consistently delivering high-quality work builds credibility with colleagues and clients alike, creating an atmosphere of trust and respect that fosters greater teamwork and productivity. Part of maintaining a standard of excellence is having the humility to accept that there’s always room for improvement. When you realize or receive feedback that something you've done or a certain way you've acted is not excellent, embrace the feedback, reflect on how to improve, and take proactive steps to adjust your approach moving forward.

Here’s my roadmap to being excellent at work and everywhere else:

1. Define Your Why: Start by identifying what drives you. Define your core principles and understand how they align with your work. Knowing your "why" provides purpose and keeps you focused on what matters most.
2. Cultivate a Growth Mindset with Humility: Embrace lifelong learning and seek out opportunities for growth. Maintain a humble attitude towards learning, being open to new ideas and receptive to feedback. This mindset helps you adapt, stay competitive, and continuously improve.
3. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Focus on delivering high-quality results. Take ownership of your work and ensure each task reflects your personal standard of excellence. Aim for meaningful contributions rather than just meeting deadlines or checking boxes.
4. Seek Feedback and Learn from Failure: Actively seek constructive feedback from colleagues, mentors, and clients, and use it to refine your skills and processes. View failure as a learning opportunity, and apply lessons from mistakes to future work.
5. Explore Desirable Difficulties: Challenge yourself by choosing paths that require effort and growth. Embracing these "desirable difficulties" develops deeper skills and enhances learning, even if the process feels tough.
6. Embrace KAIZEN (Continuous Improvement): Adopt a mindset of constant, incremental improvement. Every day, strive to learn something new or refine your skills, whether through industry trends, insights from colleagues, or personal reflection.
7. Lead by Example: Demonstrate your commitment to excellence through your actions and work ethic. Inspire those around you to aim for similar standards and celebrate their successes, fostering a culture of mutual motivation.
8. Stay Organized: Keep your workspace and tasks organized to reduce stress and enhance focus. Organization allows you to prioritize quality and maintain control, even on busy days.
9. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate your achievements, no matter how minor they seem. Acknowledging progress boosts motivation and reinforces your commitment to continual improvement.
10. Practice Mindfulness and Reflection: Regularly take time to reflect on your experiences, decisions, and emotional responses. Practicing mindfulness helps you stay present and aware, fostering a deeper understanding of your learning journey. This self-awareness can lead to better decision-making and improved interpersonal relationships.

Once you establish excellence in your work, you'll find it translates into all areas of life. I encourage you to take these steps today, reflect on your journey, and share your experiences. Let’s inspire a culture of excellence together!

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