What if success wasn’t just about achievement, but about how we show up every day?
Sometimes, we compare ourselves to others. Not only to famous people, to athletes, actors, or CEOs, but to people in our profession. As a speaker, I’ve found myself admiring others who seem to be everywhere—on big stages, in bestselling books, with thousands of followers—and wondering, “How did they get there?” The truth is, excellence doesn’t always look flashy. It often looks like someone quietly and consistently doing the work behind the scenes for years.
There was a time early in my speaking journey when I questioned if I was doing enough, fast enough. I would compare myself to speakers who seemed to land opportunities I only dreamed of. But then I realized: every great speaker I admire had their own quiet beginnings—their own rejections, rewrites, and small audiences. That realization helped me shift from comparison to commitment. We’re not falling behind—we’re just in the process. And the process is the path to excellence.
Here’s the truth as I see it: Excellence isn’t a moment. It’s a thousand ordinary moments no one sees.
The gap between where you are and where you want to be? It’s not talent. It’s time + effort. And that’s actually great news—because it means you control the outcome.
In a recent recording, I shared that excellence is not something we do once. It’s something we strive for and eventually (if we keep on going) become. It’s not about checking off a to-do list or earning a title. It’s about the how — how we treat others, how we lead ourselves, how we respond to setbacks, and how we choose to rise each morning with purpose and pride.
The Myth of Overnight Success
Take, for example, your favorite athlete. Their “overnight win”? Probably 10+ years of drills, losses, and 5am workouts. Same for that colleague who just got promoted. Their “sudden” success? Likely years of small, consistent steps.
Research shows it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill. But here’s what’s more important: You don’t need mastery to start seeing results. You just need daily progress.
As Lao Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
The 3 Laws of Long-Term Excellence
1. The 1% Rule
Small improvements compound. 1% better every day = 37x growth in a year. Excellence isn’t about leaps. It’s about daily inches.
Small improvements compound. 1% better every day = 37x growth in a year. Excellence isn’t about leaps. It’s about daily inches.
2. Embrace the Journey
Progress isn’t linear. Plateaus are not failure — they’re preparation. Growth is happening, even if you can’t see it yet.
Progress isn’t linear. Plateaus are not failure — they’re preparation. Growth is happening, even if you can’t see it yet.
3. Infatuation is not the desired feeling. Fall and commit to being in Love with the Work.
Passion will ebb and flow. Motivation fades. But commitment? That’s where excellence lives. Choose to show up, even when you don’t feel like it.
Passion will ebb and flow. Motivation fades. But commitment? That’s where excellence lives. Choose to show up, even when you don’t feel like it.
Try this: For the next 30 days, track one skill or habit for just 15 minutes daily. Not ‘until you’re perfect’ — just consistent. Watch what happens.
Five Champion Tips to Practice Excellence Every Day:
Be Present with Purpose – Excellence starts with presence. When you show up fully to a meeting, a conversation, or a project, people feel your energy. Bring intention to your interactions. Ask yourself: “What impact do I want to leave today?”
Lead Yourself First – Before you can inspire others, you must manage your own mindset. That means developing mental fitness: silencing the inner saboteurs and activating the sage within. Excellence starts from the inside out.
Respond, Don’t React – Life throws curveballs. Excellence is found in the pause — that sacred moment when you choose a thoughtful response over a knee-jerk reaction. Resilient leaders are those who master this space.
Elevate Others – True excellence is never selfish. Look for ways to lift others. A kind word, a small gesture, a moment of listening — these actions ripple far beyond what you can see.
Show Up Consistently – Excellence is a habit. It’s built in the daily decisions to show up, speak up, and stand tall. Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.
Story to Remember-
Rabbi Akiva, one of the most revered Jewish sages, didn’t begin learning Torah until he was 40 years old. What sparked his journey? He once saw a stone that had been worn down, not by force, but by the persistent drops of water falling on it over time. In that moment, he realized: if water can carve stone, surely consistent effort can shape a human brain. Learning is possible, change is inevitable with consistent effort. That vision lit a fire in him to begin learning Hebrew and learning Torah—despite his age, despite his doubts. He is one of the most known rabbis in the Jewish tradition.
This story reminds me of the message shared by many excellent speakers and leaders—like Simon Sinek, who teaches that consistency in values-driven action builds trust and leadership over time, not overnight. Excellence, like that stone, is shaped by patience, persistence, and purpose. It’s not about instant transformation—it’s about the quiet, faithful effort that molds us day by day.
Final Thought
Redefine ‘winning.’ Instead of “Did I succeed today?” ask: “Did I show up with intention and heart?”
Because success may open the door. But it’s excellence that keeps it open.
And when you practice excellence, you don’t just win—you inspire others to rise with you.
Keep going. The world needs your version of greatness.
PS: Want to explore how your team or organization can build a culture of excellence through mental fitness and resilient leadership? Let’s talk. [Insert link to speaking demo or contact page
Cheering you on always,
Dorice Horenstein
Oy to Joy Champion Catalyst
Dorice Horenstein
Oy to Joy Champion Catalyst
PS: If this reflection resonates, feel free to share it with someone who might need a little joy. And if you’re looking for a keynote speaker who can bring these kinds of personal and inspiring stories to your next event, let’s connect! Check out my demo video here.
PPS: I’d love for you to join me on my YouTube channel, where I share more stories, inspiration, and tips on resilience and joy. Subscribe here and let’s continue the conversation!
And as always,
Be Positive. Be Yourself. Be the Champion You Want to See!
Dorice Horenstein, renowned as the “Oy to Joy” International Champion Catalyst Speaker, transforms tactics into practical strategies! As a Positive Intelligence expert and best-selling author of Moments of the Heart: Four Relationships Everyone Should Have to Live Wholeheartedly, Dorice energizes and motivates global audiences to uncover their inner champions. With a background in educational leadership, she has made the world her platform, fostering positive cultures by empowering individuals to overcome challenges, build resilience, and find joy, leading to personal and professional growth.
Dorice is a dynamic speaker whose energy and charisma have a global impact. Her core superpower is her ability to present, train, and coach effectively. She redefines “T.E.A.M.” as “Together Everyone’s Attributes are Magnified,” inspiring others to recognize their strengths, enhance effectiveness, and joyfully step into their destined leadership roles. Her mission is to cultivate healthy, positive relationships that reduce stress, increase retention rates, and create a more positive culture both at work and at home.
