Article 2: A Higher Sense of Purpose

A basic quality of Excellence is the fact that it takes us to a different level of output - where our normal doubts, fears, limits are rendered ineffective and we are performing at a much higher level. For as long as it exists, this "zone" enables unknown powers and special qualities within us to come to the fore and guide us to give our very best. So what is this "zone" and how can we elongate its presence and existence within ourselves?

The answer to this lies somewhere else. As a first step of investigation, we need to understand what exactly drives a person to break the "inertia" of normal performance. Once we know the drivers which enable excellence within ourselves, we would have gone a long way in demystifying the phenomenon and mastering the art of raising ourselves to that level at will.

The simplest reason for any action to be performed is that there needs to be a reason or purpose. Without a sense of purpose, any action would be random and non-productive - because there would be no criteria for measuring the outcome of the action or its effectiveness. A simple test would be to quickly think of what we do as normal activities and ask this question - Why do I do this? Let's try this game for a few examples:

1) Why do I "breathe"?

I breathe so that I may live.

2) Why do I "sleep" ?

I sleep in order to rest myself and re-energise my power. I sleep because I need to refresh myself and be able to live normally.

3) Why do I "work"?

I work for earning a livelihood - so that I can support myself and my dear ones and provide for the safety of our future. I work for my self-satisfaction and I work in order to be happy

The simple message is that each one of us can ask these questions to ourselves and come up with our answers - and all our answers would contain valid and personal reasons.

So how does having a reason help me with improving my quality of output, or in other words make me achieve Excellence!!?

In simple words, a reason essentially provides a sense of direction and purpose to any action. It guides us to go ahead and attempt the task in a planned and methodical manner. Knowing the outcome and its benefits gives us a sense of motivation and helps in focussing on achieving success.

Our history bears witness to the glorious achievements of its most brilliant heroes when they have been ignited by a sense of mission and commitment and have overcome tremendous obstacles and challenges to accomplish their goals.

Where most of us tend to live our lives regretting the past or fearing the future, these brave folks have resisted the temptation and instead chosen to live a life focussed on the "present moment" and given all their energies and dedication to the task at hand. This is the simple secret that separates us from the achievers and by understanding this difference and working hard on overcoming the normal tendency, we can unlock our true potential and emulate our role models.

All it takes is a spark of motivation to light a fire of imagination and unlock the tremendous potential which lies within each one of us.