Wednesday, September 1, 2004

Breaking Barriers Toward Excellence

"Life affords no higher pleasure than that of surmounting difficulties passing from one step of success to another, forming new wishes & seeing them gratified." - Samuel Johnson

Excellence is not and will never be an inherent attribute of every man that is borne of this world. Much like an unpolished diamond taken from the heart of the earth, it is never appreciated until it is refined and shaped into magnificent perfection. Its beautiful dimensions are carefully and slowly smoothed to reveal a multichromatic facet that is effectuated when struck by a ray of light. Ergo, it goes beyond saying that excellence is an acquired asset and name, and there are no shortcuts to such roads leading to greatness.

Excellence respects perseverance, acknowledges hardships and does not mock faith; it also offers itself as a rich reward for a honed skill. In perseverance we seek to traverse the paths unknown, daring to go beyond our perceived limitations and strive to do the best. We care not for the barriers that may lie ahead, but take into our heart the lessons that are yet to be learned in surmounting them. The hardships that we will face are but new challenges to be overcome. Our steadfast faith is our greatest ally, the guiding force that tells us to doubt not our abilities, and that though we may stumble and fall, we can always stand again and fight.

Excellence is a virtue that demands active participation, it is glad when impediments are overcome. It requires the mind, the heart and the hands, "Caput, Cor, Manus" to achieve something akin to perfection. There is an element of truth in wanting to be the best and then going forth in actually doing something about it.

Excellence is an experience, and there is a strong connection between struggling against difficulties and surpassing them in triumph. the act itself compels us to value each achievement and enjoy them.

Excellence is dynamic; it is active, forceful, energetic and capable of giving a sense of power and transmitting it to others. It is forward looking and is intolerable by complacency. It is against stagnation and everything static.

Excellence is a standard; it is both the foundation & the wall of strong & credible institutions. It is what we look up to, and it is one of the vital components of the lifeblood of the pioneers.

by: Dryden Regie Rigonan
Exordium Volume XII, Issue 1
September 2004