Today, as many prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving Weekend, my thoughts are tied to excellence.
There are several areas or things on my mind tied to excellence. Some of them for starters are coffee, dress code, behavior, attitude, appearance, and taste.
In addition, it seems that sometimes when I visit different restaurants, excellence is deemed by various factors.
The food, the working conditions, how many hours a person has already been on the job, the cooks in the kitchen getting orders out, correctly mind you, or even the service you receive once you walk through the door.
I have seen the changes over the years, even when you walk in, how people are greeted with an acknowledgement and a smile.
Knowing the many meals that I have personally prepared over the years, I took time to ensure excellence was incorporated into the meals.
We look for vegetables that are of excellent quality.
We look for brand names like “Butterball” in selecting the Turkey we will cook.
We look for everything that will make it special, even the decorations.
We even prepare the next generation to show them what excellence looks like, so that when they become of age, they can host a special dinner.
Not to mention that this weekend, manhy will look for excellent deals for those who are preparing for Black Friday and the start of Christmas Shopping.
Although the word “Excellence” may not be at the top of the list of words you may choose, subconsciously, it’s a possibility that you are having those thoughts today.
As a Soldier, I can remember while I was in the Military, the Dining Halls or Dining Facilities taking extra care to provide an excellent meal for Soldiers and their families.
Those days still resonate with me both as one who not only helped serve during Thanksgiving but also having the privilege of receiving an excellent meal.
We also know that some families will be on their best behavior this week in hosting guests. Depending on your environment there will always be some form of excellence, and our desire to please our company.
As the year begins to slowly come to an end, the excellence we have created will show up in everything we do.
The keyword or takeaway is “created.” In creating excellence, we must all work at it and decide how we want to excellence to become part of our lives.
Those who decide to take shortcuts in the preparation of food and attention to detail will reflect on whether they made the right choice.
On this day, excellence is up to all of us to decide how we want the outcome to be represented.
It’s my prayer that each of you has an excellent Thanksgiving and no regrets.
“If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception; it is a prevailing attitude.” Colin L. Powell
Today, I challenge you to think about the quote from the late General Colin L. Powell. What habits in the little things are you working on to ensure excellence is not an exception, and it is a prevailing attitude for you?
If you were not aware, Colin Luther Powell was an American Army general, diplomat, and statesman who was the 65th United States Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005.
Excellent! Food for thought. Excellence as a measure in everything, at every level! Thank you for sharing this perspective. I can imagine a world where if our thought process was gauged along the line of excellence, we would see value in all that we do and work habitually to make it happen.
PRA Shirley,
It’s always a pleasure to get your insight. I’m humbled by your words. The comment you wrote about “I can imagine a world where, if our thought process was gauged along the line of excellence, we would see value in all that we do and work habitually to make it happen.” Is powerful. I had to read it twice. Thank you!
McKinley
Yes, this was an excellent article and inspiration. I agree, excellence is a way of life that we can choose. It doesn’t mean we’re perfect, it means we are intentionally doing the best we can and looking for ways to improve. I always liked Lexus’ tagline: “The relentless pursuit of excellence” and incorporated that into my career, doing things that no one, but me would know, having no regrets. As I live longer, I focus my relentless pursuit of excellence on relationships. To be present, authentic, transparent and above all, kind. It’s a work in progress, and always will be, until I graduate from this life. Excellence results in no regrets. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it! Wishing you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving MC3!
Jane,
You are living proof of excellence for as long as I’ve known you. Without a doubt, you’re true to your words written today. I hadn’t thought about Lexus being a Honda person; however, “relentless pursuit of excellence” is what I, too, strive for these days until I graduate from this life. Thanks for the Thanksgiving blessing.
MC3
Happy Thanksgiving!
Clyde,
Happy Thanksgiving and I trust that you had a great one!
CM