"La excelencia es el mínimo indispensable"

The idea behind this quote is simple yet powerful: what we often consider as "excellence" should actually be our baseline. In other words, the high standards we hold ourselves to shouldn't be seen as exceptional, but rather as our starting point. It’s about pushing the boundaries of what we think is possible and always striving for better. This mindset fosters continuous improvement and prevents complacency.

Historically, this kind of thinking has roots in various fields where high performance is the norm. Think about athletes, for example. For a top-tier Olympian, the idea of just making it to the competition isn’t enough—they’re aiming for the gold medal, and anything less than their best is unacceptable. This concept is also prevalent in elite military units, where the expectation is that every member will perform at their absolute peak, no excuses.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Picture a world-renowned chef working in a Michelin-starred restaurant. For them, every dish that leaves the kitchen must be perfect. There’s no room for "good enough". A slightly overcooked steak or a sauce that’s a bit off isn’t just a minor slip; it’s a failure to meet the bare minimum standard. By holding themselves to such high standards, these chefs ensure that their restaurant maintains its stellar reputation and continues to attract patrons from all over the world.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by redefining what you consider as your "bare minimum". If you’re a student, aim not just to pass, but to excel in your studies. For professionals, it means delivering work that goes above and beyond the expectations of your role. It’s about setting a higher bar for yourself and refusing to be satisfied with mediocrity. The key is to always ask yourself: "Is this my best work? Can I push a bit further?"

Now, imagine you're working on a team project for a big client. Your initial draft of the presentation is solid—it's well-researched, and it covers all the key points. But as you review it, you notice areas where you can add more depth, clarify complex ideas, and make the visuals more engaging. Instead of settling for good enough, you put in the extra hours to refine every slide. When you finally present it, your client is blown away, not just because the information is accurate, but because of the passion and dedication that's evident in your work. This attention to detail and relentless pursuit of excellence doesn’t just meet the client's needs; it exceeds them, fostering a stronger relationship and potential future opportunities.

In essence, treating excellence as your baseline means never getting too comfortable. It’s about recognizing that there’s always room for improvement and that you have the capacity to achieve more. By adopting this mindset, you set yourself up for continuous growth and success in whatever you do. So, next time you're working on a task, big or small, think about how you can elevate it from good to great. It’s this commitment to excellence that separates the ordinary from the extraordinary.