Many individuals, teams and organisations have tasted
excellence periodically. It goes down well on the palate, doesn't it? Like the
perfectly aged Bordeaux, the perfectly executed recipe, the perfect balance of
flavours in a great meal. But consistently delivering superior results over
time is another story. It requires process, discipline and focus. It requires
energy, effort and persistence. It requires daily attention.
A technique we have found helpful with performers to deliver
sustainable excellence is to focus on one thing every day to improve from the
day before. It could be personal, professional or relational. It doesn't have
to be monumental every day.
Why does this process work?
Confidence is the
result of an accumulation of success experiences. By doing one thing better
each day you consistently experience (and expect) success. Each day builds upon the last.
Improving every day creates focus. How many times have you
wound up at the end of a day wondering what you truly accomplished? By
committing to daily improvement you organise your thoughts, energy and effort.
Continuous
improvement becomes a habit, not a cliché.
When you commit to daily
improvement, development opportunities are expected and welcomed. You look
forward to development feedback rather than dreading it and reacting
defensively.
Sustainable excellence is not rocket science. It is the
result of establishing an effective system and having the discipline to follow
it. Getting better each day establishes the mindset. What are you going to
improve today?
