"I believe excellence is being able to perform at a high level over and over again."

Excellence isn't just about hitting a high note once; it's about hitting that note consistently, every single time. When someone talks about excellence, they're talking about maintaining top performance time after time. It's the idea that true mastery comes from persistent, reliable high standards.

Now, think about professional athletes. They don't just have one great game and call it a day. They train relentlessly, fine-tune their skills, and push themselves to perform their best in every single match. Take Serena Williams, for example. She's not just celebrated because she won a few Grand Slam titles. She's revered because she maintained her position at the top of her game for years, consistently performing at an extraordinary level.

Alright, so let's bring this into everyday life. Picture a chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant. They don't just whip up one incredible dish and then let the quality slide. No, every dish that leaves the kitchen must be top-notch, night after night. Diners come with high expectations, and the chef has to meet or exceed those expectations every single time. Imagine the pressure, but also imagine the discipline and commitment it takes to achieve that.

So, how can you apply this idea of excellence in your own life? Start small. Think about an area where you want to excel—maybe it's in your job, a hobby, or even a relationship. Focus on being consistent. If it's work, make sure every project you turn in is your best work. If it's a hobby, dedicate regular time to practice and improve. Relationships? Make a consistent effort to show appreciation and support. The key is to keep at it, even when it gets tough or mundane.

Here's a scenario to chew on. Imagine you're a student. You’ve got a big exam coming up, and you study hard for it. You ace the exam and feel on top of the world. But then, instead of keeping up with the material, you slack off until the next big test comes around. When it does, you're scrambling again. Instead, what if you studied a little bit every day? Sure, it might feel like a grind at times, but by the time the next test rolls around, you're prepared without the last-minute panic. That's what excellence looks like—steady, consistent effort.

You know, it’s like that old saying, "Practice makes perfect." But it’s more than just practice; it’s about the quality and consistency of that practice. You can’t just put in the hours; you have to put in the right kind of hours, over and over—not just when you feel like it, but especially when you don't.

So, next time you’re aiming for excellence, remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about showing up, day in and day out, with the same level of dedication and passion. And guess what? It's not just about being better than others; it's about being better than you were yesterday, every day. That’s the essence of performing at a high level repeatedly, and that’s where true excellence lies.