"Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives - choice, not chance, determines your destiny."

Excellence doesn’t just happen by chance. It’s something you consciously work towards, with clear goals, genuine effort, and smart decisions. Basically, you create your own path by the choices you make.

Think about why this was said. People often believe that some are just "lucky" and naturally successful. It's easy to think that way when we see someone at the top of their game and don't see the grind that got them there. This quote pushes back against that idea, stressing that the road to excellence is deliberate and requires hard work and smart choices.

Let’s take a real-life example. Michael Jordan is often hailed as the greatest basketball player of all time. Was he born with some innate talent? Sure. But he wasn't always the best. In high school, he actually got cut from the varsity team. Instead of giving up, he made a high intention to improve. He practiced relentlessly, waking up early to train and always working on his skills. His efforts were sincere, not just surface-level attempts. And he didn't just train hard—he trained smart, focusing on areas where he needed improvement. His success was the result of a series of choices he made over time, not some random stroke of luck.

So how do you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start with setting clear, high intentions. Know what you want to achieve. Then, put in the effort—real, honest effort. It’s not enough to just go through the motions. You’ve got to be all in. Lastly, be smart about it. Plan your steps. Think about what you need to do to get where you want to be, and then set about doing it. And when you have choices to make, think them through. Choose the paths that align with your goals and values.

Imagine you want to learn to play the guitar. You could just strum randomly and hope for the best. Or, you could set a goal to learn one new chord each week. You practice every day, even when you don’t feel like it. You watch videos, take lessons, and maybe even join a group of other learners to share tips and encourage each other. Before you know it, you’re not just playing the guitar—you’re excelling at it. And it wasn’t an accident. It was your intention, effort, and smart choices that got you there.

Here's a relatable story. Think about Jane, who wanted to run a marathon. She wasn't a runner—yet. She made a choice to start training. Every morning, rain or shine, she got up early to run. Some days were tough, and she wanted to quit, but she kept her goal in mind. She didn't just run aimlessly; she followed a training plan, gradually increasing her distance, and even adjusting her diet to support her new routine. She made friends with other runners who motivated her and gave her tips. On race day, she finished the marathon. It wasn’t luck. It was her intention, her effort, and her smart planning.

So, remember, if you want to be excellent at something, don’t rely on luck. Make deliberate choices, put in the work, and do it intelligently. That’s how you shape your destiny.