Chapter 1: The Pursuit of Excellence

When you hear the term “habits of excellence,” what thoughts arise? For a significant part of my life, I didn't consider the concept of excellence; my focus was solely on perfection, even though I didn't consciously label it as such. My aim was simply to get things “right” on occasion, with “right” often interpreted as “perfect”—a rare occurrence.

Deep down, I felt that those around me were inherently more capable of achieving their goals, while I viewed myself as lacking and unlikely to succeed. This self-talk became a part of my reality, shaping my perception of life.

Imagine living each day with such a perspective. For many years, I battled low self-esteem and confidence, believing I wasn’t intelligent, capable, or “enough” in the simplest of ways. I assumed that almost everyone else was more likely to reach their aspirations and deserved success more than I did.

How did this mindset serve me? Not at all, as you might expect. My existence was more about repetition than habit. On the rare occasions something positive occurred, I felt a fleeting joy, quickly replaced by the belief that it was just a fluke meant for someone else. I didn't grasp the essence of developing habits of excellence; instead, I resigned myself to a life of mediocrity.

During these years, I often played the victim, attributing my feelings of inadequacy and lack of success to external circumstances. I believed that if only others would give me a fair chance, I could thrive.

In April 2005, a transformative awakening happened. One morning, I noticed a shift in my sensory perceptions; colors appeared brighter, sounds clearer, and I felt a sensation unlike any before. It hit me that change was on the horizon, and I needed to embrace it to transform my life.

I began asking my acquaintances if they knew anyone who had dramatically altered their lives. To my surprise, many did, and this marked the beginning of my journey. I started meeting these individuals, one couple even invited me to hike in a park I had previously visited with the Sierra Club.

Every Sunday at 6 AM, we would gather and hike to a vantage point overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Initially, it was challenging to adjust to the early hours and progressively hike further each week. Eventually, I reached the peak, where my friends imparted lessons about goal setting, positive action habits, and much more.

They inspired me to strive for excellence in every endeavor to unlock my full potential, frequently referencing “habits of excellence” in our discussions.

They introduced me to motivational speaker Brian Tracy's essays, where he asserted that excellence is about exceeding expectations. Personal excellence involves a lifelong commitment to enhancing our mental and emotional skills across all areas of life. To achieve it, we must prioritize our personal growth.

Additionally, they shared Stephen Covey’s book, "7 Habits of Highly Effective People." Covey emphasized that personal excellence is a journey of self-improvement and positive development, requiring patience but ultimately rewarding those aiming for a fulfilling and successful life. It's about consistently enhancing our performance in all life aspects, rather than striving for unattainable perfection.

They also guided me to motivational speaker Les Brown, who emphasized that to achieve unprecedented success, we must evolve into someone we've never been. Without mastering ourselves, we struggle to tackle challenges in areas like work, family, and finances. True growth and success stem from self-mastery.

Gradually, I began to change, and the shifts in my life became evident. Everything I absorbed through reading and listening started to resonate. I made the decisive choice to resign from my teaching position at the school year's end. Uncertain about what lay ahead, I nonetheless held onto hope and a belief in positive outcomes.

Within a year, I had the opportunity to meet and learn from Brian Tracy, Stephen Covey, and Les Brown in person. Two years later, I shared the stage with Les Brown. A significant transformation was underway within me, preparing me for a new life experience.

Chapter 2: The Value of Cultivating Habits of Excellence

The first video, "Habits, Generosity, and Cultivating Excellence with James Clear," discusses the significance of developing excellence through generosity and effective habits.

The second video, "Five Habits for Achieving Personal Excellence," outlines essential habits that lead to personal growth and success.

1. Dedicate yourself fully to your endeavors. Setting a clear intention for excellence is the first step toward achieving your goals.
2. Establish yourself as an authority. Position yourself as an expert in your area; commit to lifelong learning. Excellence commands respect, while mediocrity does not.
3. Embrace enthusiasm and a zest for life! A positive attitude and high energy can drive you toward significant achievements.
4. Be punctual and dependable. Time management and reliability distinguish you as someone committed to excellence.
5. Work efficiently by applying the “80/20” rule. Recognize that 20% of your efforts yield 80% of your outcomes, allowing you to prioritize effectively.
6. Prioritize self-care. Focus on healthy productivity and personal growth to maintain your momentum toward excellence.
7. Serve others in all your actions. Strive to under-promise and over-deliver in your interactions, exceeding expectations.

Over the years, I have learned that immersing myself in the insights of influential thinkers has been my most significant catalyst for enhancing my life experience. Some time ago, I invested in a startup that provides such training. You are welcome to join at no cost or obligation at Team Heroic: Optimize. Explore Ben Bergeron’s “Chasing Excellence: A Story About Building the World’s Fittest Athletes,” Dr. Bob Rotella’s “How Champions Think in Sports and in Life,” and Daniel Goleman’s “Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence” once you join.

I also recommend Svetlana Whitener’s article, "How To Make Excellence A Habit," for further insights.

I am Connie Ragen Green, a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, entrepreneur, and marketing strategist, committed to cultivating habits of excellence every day through my words and actions. Join my Action Habits Challenge at no cost or obligation and continue your journey of personal growth that you’ve likely already begun.