“If the 8 Keys of Excellence was in every school in America and being taught in the homes, it would literally transform the country.”
—Jack Canfield, Author, Chicken Soup for the Soul Series
Defining Excellence
How do you define excellence? You may agree after reading this that excellence is more a place to come from rather than a destination.
Aristotle gives us more insight about this powerful word . . .
“Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”
—Aristotle
As we move on to discussing our 8 Keys of Excellence, it’s important to remember that excellence is not about perfection. Perfectionism is focused on doing everything right and never making mistakes, in our own eyes and in the eyes of others. Excellence is about doing the right thing and always striving to be our best self.
The 8 Keys of Excellence – Principles to Live By
In defining the curriculum for SuperCamp, the leadership and life skills summer programs for teens, we developed the 8 Keys of Excellence after studying people who had achieved great success while maintaining personal excellence. The traits and principles they shared include concepts like integrity, commitment, and responsibility.
In light of Aristotle’s thoughts above, we can consider the principles of the 8 Keys of Excellence as our guide to “act rightly” and make each of the 8 Keys a habit that will lead us to excellence. If we “live” the 8 Keys of Excellence — in our homes, in our schools, in our organizations — we will excel!
And here are the 8 Keys of Excellence. We’ll dive a little deeper into each of these Keys in following articles.
Key 1 – THIS IS IT! – Make the most of every moment
Focus your attention on the present moment. Keep a positive attitude.
Key 2 – OWNERSHIP – Take responsibility for actions
Be responsible for your thoughts, feelings, words, and actions. “Own” the choices you make and the results that follow.
Key 3 – SPEAK WITH GOOD PURPOSE – Speak honestly and kindly
Think before you speak. Make sure your intention is positive and your words are sincere.
Key 4 – COMMITMENT – Make your dreams happen
Take positive action. Follow your vision without wavering.
Key 5 – FAILURE LEADS TO SUCCESS – Learn from mistakes
View failures as feedback that provides you with the information you need to learn, grow, and succeed.
Key 6 – INTEGRITY – Match behavior with values
Demonstrate your positive personal values in all you do and say. Be sincere and real.
Key 7 – FLEXIBILITY – Be willing to do things differently
Recognize what’s not working and be willing to change what you’re doing to achieve your goal.
Key 8 – BALANCE – Live your best life
Be mindful of self and others while focusing on what’s meaningful and important in your life. Inner happiness and fulfillment come when your mind, body, and emotions are nurtured by the choices you make.
REFLECTIONS – A final review of the 8 Keys of Excellence series.
When we live the 8 Keys of Excellence we . . .
• match our behavior with our values, take responsibility for our actions, and are willing to do things differently
• learn from our mistakes, and speak honestly and kindly to ourselves and others
• make the most of every moment, make our dreams happen, and live our best life!
About the Author: Bobbi DePorter is co-founder and president of Quantum Learning Network (QLN). An early pioneer in the field of accelerated learning, Bobbi’s study and application in the field led to the development of Quantum Learning teaching and learning methods that have inspired and empowered both educators and students for more than 40 years. QLN has two divisions.
SuperCamp is a leadership, learning and life skills residential program for teens that has offered sessions in the U.S. and internationally. SuperCamp has more than 85,000 alumni around the world, many now parents who have sent their children for a similar experience. The Quantum Learning Education division provides programs for teachers, administrators, students and parents in thousands of schools and districts in the U.S., as well as internationally. These programs and the 8 Keys of Excellence character education program have touched millions of young people in the U.S. and overseas. Read More…
Learn more about Quantum Learning Network’s SuperCamp, Quantum Learning Education, and virtual
programs HERE. www.QLUniverse.com