12 Quotes that Encourage Excellence
Excellence is sometimes confused with perfection. In my opinion, perfection does not exist in the human realm. Instead of focusing on the "perfect" we need to focus on being the best version of ourselves that we can possibly be. This is going to be different for each one of us and may even vary from day to day. However, the more we push ourselves toward greatness, the sooner we will arrive.
Excellence is sometimes confused with perfection. In my opinion, perfection does not exist in the human realm. Instead of focusing on the "perfect" we need to focus on being the best version of ourselves that we can possibly be. This is going to be different for each one of us and may even vary from day to day. However, the more we push ourselves toward greatness, the sooner we will arrive.
Here are twelve quotes that encourage excellence. From ancient philosophers and tenured coaches, to today's stars, excellence is believed to be an ongoing process that is attainable through hard work and constant discipline.
1. John Wooden
"It takes time to create excellence. If it could be done quickly, more people would do it."
John Wooden, one of the most successful and revered coaches in sports history, reminds us that excellence is a gradual process. It takes time, patience, and consistent effort. If achieving excellence were easy or instantaneous, everyone would do it. It’s the dedication and perseverance over time that separates those who achieve greatness from those who give up too soon.
Learn more about John Wooden’s philosophy on leadership and excellence.
2. Aristotle
"Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives - choice, not chance, determines your destiny."
The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle believed that excellence is a deliberate choice, not a random outcome. It comes from making thoughtful decisions and putting in the hard work required to achieve those decisions. Excellence is not a stroke of luck; it’s the result of intentional action and the wisdom to choose what is best.
Read more about Aristotle’s philosophy on excellence and virtue.
3. Vince Lombardi
"Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."
Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi understood the difference between perfection and excellence. Perfection is an ideal, an impossible goal to achieve. However, by constantly striving for perfection, we move closer to excellence—constantly improving and evolving in the process.
Explore Vince Lombardi's leadership principles.
4. Simone Biles
"You make your own luck. You make it in training."
Gymnastics champion Simone Biles encourages us to take ownership of our success. While luck may play a small role, the true foundation of excellence lies in preparation and practice. The harder we work, the "luckier" we become.
Discover Simone Biles' journey and her training philosophy.
5. Deepak Chopra
"I often say 'pursue excellence, ignore success.' Success is a by-product of excellence."
Spiritual teacher and author Deepak Chopra teaches that success is not something to be chased directly. Instead, we should focus on the pursuit of excellence—mastering our craft, refining our skills, and being the best version of ourselves. Success will follow as a natural result of this commitment to excellence.
Learn more about Deepak Chopra's ideas on excellence.
6. Walter Payton
"When you're good at something, you'll tell everyone. When you're great at something, they'll tell you."
NFL legend Walter Payton highlights the difference between competence and greatness. Excellence speaks for itself. When you strive for excellence, others will recognize and acknowledge your efforts, often before you have to say a word.
Read about Walter Payton’s life and his commitment to excellence.
7. Michael Jordan
"Excellence isn't a one-week or one-year ideal. It is constant."
Michael Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, emphasizes that excellence is not a temporary goal—it is a lifelong commitment. Excellence requires sustained effort and consistent practice, year after year, in every area of life.
Discover more about Michael Jordan’s path to greatness.
8. Maya Angelou
"Whatever you want to do, if you want to be great at it, you have to love it and be able to make sacrifices for it."
Poet and author Maya Angelou reminds us that true excellence requires passion and sacrifice. You must love what you do and be willing to make sacrifices, whether that means dedicating extra time, pushing through challenges, or giving up temporary comforts to pursue something greater.
Explore Maya Angelou’s perspective on passion and excellence.
9. Jerry Rice
"Today do what others won't so tomorrow you can accomplish what others can't."
NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice speaks to the importance of going the extra mile. Excellence often requires going beyond what others are willing to do. It means putting in the work today so that you can achieve extraordinary results tomorrow.
Learn about Jerry Rice’s training methods and mindset.
10. John Wooden
"Make each day your masterpiece."
John Wooden, who was known for his meticulous approach to coaching, believed that excellence starts with everyday actions. By approaching each day as an opportunity to create something exceptional, we can gradually build a life of excellence.
Read more on John Wooden’s teachings on making each day count.
11. John W Gardner
"Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well."
Former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, John W. Gardner, emphasized that excellence doesn’t necessarily involve grand gestures or achievements. It’s about consistently doing the little things well—whether in work, relationships, or personal habits—and elevating the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Learn more about John Gardner’s perspective on excellence and leadership.
12. Ralph Marston
"Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude."
Motivational speaker Ralph Marston beautifully sums up that excellence is more about mindset than talent. It’s an attitude of continuous improvement, resilience, and the desire to give your best in every situation. Excellence is an outlook on life, not merely a set of skills.
Tips for Teaching Excellence
Excellence is a continuous process with no ending destination. It is a mindset - one that is achieved through belief in the Growth Mindset. When we introduce our athletes to both concepts, they are really nothing more than that - ideas. However, if we start at a young age, the pursuit of excellence becomes engrained.
1. Point out that hard work pays off.
Have you had a student study for a spelling test and come home with a 100%? What about an athlete that has been struggling to learn a new skill or technique that finally gets it? Pointing out that it is the child's hard work that allowed them to accomplish their goal teaches the growth mindset. Now, take it one step further and help them set another goal that has to do with improving their first success. Teaching that success is never final instills the importance of excellence.
Check out strategies for fostering a growth mindset in students.
2. Reward best effort.
Excellence looks different to each individual and will look different on your team, in your classroom, and even at home. Each person needs to learn to push himself toward greatness. Eliminating comparisons to others and instead focusing on self-improvement will encourage the concept of excellence.
Explore how to cultivate a growth mindset in children and athletes.
3. Have high expectations in all areas
Excellence is not just about standing out in one area. Make it a part of every day life. Set high expectations at home and teach children to take pride in the little things. From using nice handwriting on homework to making the bed neatly, striving for excellence in all areas helps bring up performance as a whole.
Read about the importance of high standards and setting goals.
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