Strive for Excellence: Continually Better, Not Occasionally Great

Shark Theory

Join Baylor Barbee in this engaging episode of "Shark Theory" as he delves into the nuances of excellence versus success. With his latest book, "No One Prays for the Lion," on the brink of release, Baylor reflects on his journey from previous works to present endeavors. His keen insights draw from personal experiences and thought-provoking literature, offering listeners an enriching perspective on achieving excellence in life.

Baylor emphasizes the subjective nature of success and the profound difference between success and excellence. Drawing on an anecdote from his 2014 book, "Idea of Excellence," he recalls his upbringing under a mother who set high academic standards, which cultivated his mindset of not settling for less. The episode explores the importance of setting personal standards versus merely striving for goals, underlining how elevating these standards can lead to a more fulfilling life. Furthermore, Baylor reflects on teachings from Horace Schulze's "Excellence Wins," illustrating how Ricz-Carlton's philosophy of seeking excellence can be applied personally.

Through engaging anecdotes, such as Tiger Woods' remarkable 1997 Masters performance and its subsequent pursuit of improvement, Baylor drives the point home of striving to be "continually better, not occasionally great." His narrative inspires listeners to pursue a life of sustained excellence, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of success. Finally, Baylor encourages his audience to preorder his upcoming book, designed to instill the confidence needed to achieve unparalleled results in life.

Key Takeaways:

• Success is subjective; excellence involves setting and maintaining high personal standards.

• Achieving excellence requires focusing on opportunities for improvement in daily life.

• Differentiating between goals and standards can lead to a more meaningful and structured life.

• Deliberate practice and continual improvement can pave the way for sustained excellence.

• Baylor invites listeners to embrace a mindset of confidence as explored in his upcoming book.

Notable Quotes:

• "The problem was I was nowhere near what I would deem successful because it's such a subjective thing."

• "Goals are things that we hope we hit, but standards are what we live by."

• "Are you trying to succeed in your career, or are you trying to exhibit excellence?"

• "I decided I wanted to be continually better, not occasionally great."

• "Let's live lives of excellence so that everything wins because of who we are."