We often find ourselves in a battle to obtain perfection. We tell ourselves we are not perfect and that perfection is unattainable, yet we still work hard to achieve it.

Vince Lombardi once said, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” In order to develop a mindset that focuses on the pursuit of excellence, a couple of suggestions might be helpful.

Dedication: Any pursuit in life requires dedication, and this is true of excellence. The task is not easy, but worth it.

Take 5: We need a routine that allows us to set aside five minutes everyday to focus on a specific area of excellence.

Read, read, read…listen, listen, listen: This one stands alone!

Rule of the last 10% (finish well): Too many get to 90% and slack off, slow down, or somehow coast to the finish line. If we desire excellence, the last 10% makes all the difference.

Develop the habit: Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act. It is a habit.” With that in mind, let us develop the habit of excellence.