Excellence v. Mediocrity

My friend Candace, B.Comm, M.Ed, recently picked up the last set of those letters at her convocation from the University of Calgary. Her Master of Education degree in hand, she was sharing with me some words that were in the commencement speech (and I paraphrase):

"We are living in a society that is constantly more accepting of mediocrity. It is our job, as Masters, to strive for excellence."

Now, I'm not going to argue if we are, as a society, more accepting of mediocrity or not. Not my point today.

These words reminded me of a Woodrow Wilson quote that Ashleigh gave me in a frame one day. Wilson's words:

"You are here to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, and with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world."

Strong words. Lofty aspirations. Ambition, even!

Which, reminds me of a quote that Chas has in his office, and Christina recently wrote on our Squadron whiteboard, courtesy of Aristotle:

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

Everyone knows I have had struggles staying motivated with my degree, and keeping organized enough - or at least with enough momentum - to keep on top of all the tasks I have at hand. Repeatedly.

Is failure - or mediocrity - also a habit as opposed to an act?

Am I failing to live up to my obligations as a citizen to enrich the world around me?

The answer to both questions - well, a definite yes the former. The latter - I would have a greater impact if excellence was my habit.

We could all have a greater impact if excellence was our habit.

I look back at these exchanges and conversations, and am grateful for them. I do draw motivation from them. Living in excellence is something I must do, but not be afraid of failing in. For as long as you are striving for excellence, mistakes are learning as opposed to failing.

Enjoy your Sunday, everyone.

-R.