The secret of living a life of excellence is merely a matter of thinking thoughts of excellence. Really, it’s a matter of programming our minds with the kind of information that will set us free.
—Chuck Swindoll (b.1934) American Evangelical Christian Pastor, Author
It is a wretched taste to be gratified with mediocrity when the excellent lies before us.
—Isaac D’Israeli (1766–1848) English Writer, Scholar
It isn’t by size that you win or fail—be the best of whatever you are.
—Douglas Malloch (1877–1938) American Poet, Short-story Writer
No matter how small and unimportant what we are doing may seem, if we do it well, it may soon become the step that will lead us to better things.
—Channing Pollock (1880–1946) American Playwright, Critic
The best we can do is size up the chances, calculate the risks involved, estimate our ability to deal with them, and then make our plans with confidence.
—Henry Ford (1863–1947) American Businessperson, Engineer
We succeed in enterprises which demand the positive qualities we possess, but we excel in those which can also make use of our defects.
—Alexis de Tocqueville (1805–59) French Historian, Political Scientist
As long as I can conceive something better than myself I cannot be easy unless I am striving to bring it into existence or clearing the way for it.
—George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) Irish Playwright
People who produce good results feel good about themselves.
—Ken Blanchard (b.1939) American Author, Management Expert
It is quality rather than quantity that matters.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
The principle is … competing against yourself. Outside stuff never did affect me very much because I’m basically driven from within. I don’t like to compete against others. For me, it’s about self-improvement and being better than I was the day before
—Steve Young (b.1961) American Football Player
Always do right. This will gratify some people, and astonish the rest.
—Mark Twain (1835–1910) American Humorist
The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.
—Vince Lombardi (1913–70) American Football Coach
It is the nature, and the advantage, of strong people that they can bring out the crucial questions and form a clear opinion about them. The weak always have to decide between alternatives that are not their own.
—Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–45) German Lutheran Pastor, Theologian
To the Master’s honor all must turn, each in its track, without a sound, forever tracing Newton’s ground.
—Albert Einstein (1879–1955) German-born Physicist
Remember that the most difficult tasks are consummated, not by a single explosive burst of energy or effort, but by the constant daily application of the best you have within you.
—Og Mandino (1923–96) American Self-Help Author
I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.
—Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) Irish Poet, Playwright
Whatever task you undertake, do it with all your heart and soul. Always be courteous, never be discouraged. Beware of him who promises something for nothing. Do not blame anybody for your mistakes and failures. Do not look for approval except the consciousness of doing your best.
—Bernard M. Baruch (1870–1965) American Financier, Economic Consultant
The idea for which this nation stands will not survive if the highest goal free man can set themselves is an amiable mediocrity. Excellence implies striving for the highest standards in every phase of life.
—John W. Gardner (1912–2002) American Activist
Only a mediocre person is always at his best.
—W. Somerset Maugham (1874–1965) British Novelist, Short-Story Writer, Playwright
If anything is worth doing, do it with all your heart.
—Buddhist Teaching
The most splendid achievement of all is the constant striving to surpass yourself and to be worthy of your own approval.
—Denis Waitley (b.1933) American Motivational Speaker, Author
The less justified a man is in claiming excellence for his own self, the more ready he is to claim all excellence for his nation, his religion, his race or his holy cause… A man is likely to mind his own business when it is worth minding; when it is not, he takes his mind off his own meaningless affairs by minding other people’s business.
—Eric Hoffer (1902–83) American Philosopher, Author
A racehorse that consistently runs just a second faster than another horse is worth millions of dollars more. Be willing to give that extra effort that separates the winner from the one in second place.
—H. Jackson Brown, Jr. (b.1940) American Self-Help Author
No man ever reached to excellence in any one art or profession without having passed through the slow and painful process of study and preparation.
—Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus) (65–8 BCE) Roman Poet
Then to Silvia let us sing that Silvia is excelling. She excels each mortal thing upon the dull earth dwelling.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
Excellence is rarely found, more rarely valued.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
There are no speed limits on the road to excellence.
—Unknown
There is always a best way of doing everything.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
Whatever your discipline, become a student of excellence in all things. Take every opportunity to observe people who manifest the qualities of mastery. These models of excellence will inspire you and guide you toward the fulfillment of your highest potential.
—Tony Buzan (1942–2019) British Writer, Educational Consultant
There is one single thread binding my way together…the way of the Master consists in doing one’s best…that is all.
—Confucius (551–479 BCE) Chinese Philosopher
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