(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

 

How many times have you said, when wrapping up a task, “it’ll do”, then later regret not having done a better job? We usually accept “it’ll do’s” when we’re in a hurry or when we think no one will notice or when we don’t see the value of doing the task well. It’ll do’s are about indifference, getting by, giving up, and settling for.

Excellence is a standard some have selected. Excellence is about quality, complete work, pride, and doing your best. You do excellent work only when you enjoy the feelings it gives you.

Although it may seem counterintuitive, excellence actually costs you less than it’ll do’s because things don’t come back to haunt you. It’s that long-term cost that most people ignore when they try to get by with an it’ll do. Sloppy work that only meets minimum requirements will never let you feel the passion that you want. And people who are passionate about things are very attractive.

 

Copyright 1998 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.