Shankar Mahadevan: 'Work on not becoming good but excellent.'

Work on not becoming good but excellent.

The quote by Shankar Mahadevan, "Work on not becoming good but excellent," resonates with the pursuit of personal excellence in any endeavor. It encourages individuals to surpass the ordinary and strive for greatness in every aspect of life. The quote serves as a reminder that settling for mediocrity should never be an option but instead should be viewed as a stepping stone towards greatness.In its straightforward interpretation, the quote motivates individuals to go beyond the average and achieve levels of excellence that may initially seem unattainable. It emphasizes the importance of dedicating oneself to continuous improvement and growth. Rather than merely aiming to be good at something, the quote urges individuals to push their limits and become excellent, making a notable impact in their chosen field.While the straightforward interpretation of the quote holds its own significant meaning, it also opens up a realm of philosophical concepts worth exploring. One concept that comes to mind is the idea of perfectionism and how it relates to the pursuit of excellence. Perfectionism is often associated with high standards and meticulous attention to detail, but it can also have its drawbacks.An unexpected philosophical concept that contrasts the pursuit of excellence with perfectionism is the concept of embracing imperfections. Perfectionism often fixates on achieving flawlessness, creating immense pressure and potentially stifling creativity. On the other hand, the pursuit of excellence acknowledges that imperfections are a part of the journey and growth process. It allows room for trial and error, learning from mistakes, and adapting along the way.The pursuit of excellence encourages individuals to aim for the highest possible standard while acknowledging that it is the unwavering commitment to improvement that truly matters. It is about consistent and deliberate practice, learning from experiences, and constantly refining one's skills. The pursuit of excellence acknowledges that true mastery takes time and dedication, and setbacks or imperfections should not deter one's progress.By contrasting the pursuit of excellence with the concept of perfectionism, we can appreciate the importance of finding a balance between pushing ourselves to be the best version of ourselves and accepting our human limitations. It highlights the significance of growth and personal development while fostering a healthy mindset that celebrates progress rather than fixating on unreachable ideals.In conclusion, Shankar Mahadevan's quote, "Work on not becoming good but excellent," encourages individuals to strive for greatness and transcend mediocrity. It advocates for the pursuit of excellence in all areas of life, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and growth. While the quote’s straightforward meaning promotes achieving remarkable heights, the unexpected contrast with perfectionism introduces a thought-provoking perspective. The pursuit of excellence embraces imperfections and allows room for growth, creating a balanced approach to personal development. Ultimately, it inspires individuals to go beyond their limits, continuously push themselves to improve, and make a lasting impact in their chosen endeavors.