I’ve never been one who is drawn to mediocrity. Growing up, I was taught that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing well. I always wanted to please my teachers, parents, and whoever assigned me a task, so whenever it was within my ability, I refused to settle for average.
Except when it came to anything remotely mathematical. Then, I was lucky to even be average.
Even with this background, as an adult, weariness, exhaustion, and confusion sometimes cause me to perform at levels I’m ashamed to admit. This post is an encouragement to me as much as it is to you.
Normally, excellence excites me. Therefore, I find it utterly appalling when some people choose to handle tasks poorly, spend their time unproductively, and then shamelessly display the results of their laziness.
Preparation
Giving your best, your all, and even going a little further starts with preparation. Adopt the right attitude, conduct the necessary research, gather all the resources you need, and position yourself for success.
I’m not asking you to reach a state of perfect preparation before you begin. Rather, I’m challenging you to think through the critical elements required for success, and then some. Preparation helps you identify what you lack in advance so you can seek help where necessary. It also enables you to put contingency plans in place.
In a continent where power supply can be unreliable, there is really no excuse, for example, for planning an interview without having a backup plan in case the electricity goes off midway through the conversation.
The Culture of 6
The Dutch embrace a phenomenon known as the 6 culture. It originated in the Dutch school grading system but has since influenced workplaces and society at large. This culture regards a score of six out of ten as both acceptable and efficient. Its advocates argue that it is rooted in pragmatism, efficiency, and egalitarianism rather than laziness. In this culture, there is no need to work yourself to exhaustion simply to boast about being a top performer.
I can appreciate the reasoning behind this mindset, and there is certainly a place for it. However, should we intentionally aim for average, a six, when we are fully capable of being a ten? Where is the motivation? Where is the drive?
Each of us has been given different gifts and abilities, and it would be a shame to neglect excellence simply to remain on the same level as everyone else.
Indeed, as the saying goes, done is better than perfect. Yet I would add: give it your all and then go the extra mile. Not to boast or prove yourself better than anyone else, but because excellence is an expression of good stewardship.
We were not created to drift through life or handle our responsibilities with less enthusiasm and seriousness than they deserve. We are called to demonstrate excellence in both stewardship and service.
It is okay if you give your all and the result is only a six or an eight. What matters is knowing that you invested everything you had. That says a great deal about your character and work ethic.
What is your intention as you go through each day? To do the bare minimum, or to live and work with excellence and wholehearted effort?
Consistency in superior output
Once your preparation is in place and you have embraced a mindset of excellence, all that remains is to bring your best to the table every day. Most of us struggle with consistency, yet maintaining a habit of superior output is what sets exceptional people apart.
Consistency is important because when it matters most, your work will speak for you. A single impressive performance may attract attention, but a consistent record of excellence builds trust, credibility, and influence.
Doing your best only when others are watching reveals a lack of integrity. True excellence is demonstrated in the unseen moments, when no applause is expected and no recognition is guaranteed.
Show up. Do great work. Every day.
Make Mistakes Early
Earlier in 2026, I decided it was finally time to learn how to bake. My mother is a baker, so I picked up a few tips from her, searched for tutorials on YouTube, and learned through practice.
For the first two months, I didn’t realize I was using dead yeast. One day, I searched online to find out why my bread was always dense on the inside and discovered where I had gone wrong. I produced several dense batches along the way. They were edible, but they missed the mark by quite a bit.
Although I initially thought I would simply experiment, make mistakes, and bake whatever turned out edible, that attitude soon gave way to a new standard: my bread must be very good.
Six months later, I’m proud to say that I’ve been baking for my family so successfully that we haven’t bought store-bought bread since I started.
If I’m going to invest money, time, energy, and resources into something, who benefits if I do it half-heartedly?
That said, it all begins with starting small, making mistakes early, learning from them, and growing from there.
Final Thoughts
As I mentioned earlier, I am guilty of intentionally performing at an average, or even below-average, on days when discouragement, fatigue, or a lack of clarity sets in. The good thing is that I recognize it before it becomes a habit. I pray for strength and commit myself to giving as much as I can.
Pursuing excellence also requires balance. As you steward your work, your marriage, or your children, steward your health as well. Invest your talents wisely and sow your seeds faithfully, but do not become anxious about every outcome.
The Master who sees all knows when you have given your best, and He also sees when you begin a task already determined to do only half of what is required.
Knowing you from childhood this is so true. You’ve been what we used to call behind the scenes “miss perfectionist”
I’m not surprised this has shaped your personality today.
More importantly thank you for always being generous at sharing knowledge and experience. In my lifetime of friends, I’d choose you twice any day.
Thank you 🙂