Question: I would like to “up” the level of excellence that I portray to others and actually live in my life. I’ve seen others whom I consider to be high quality in the way they live and work, and noticed that they seem to succeed almost effortlessly. How can I get there?

First, I acknowledge your observation skills. Quite often it is true that the people who get ahead in their profession are people who operate at a high level of quality or excellence in the big picture and in the small details. Their awareness guides them through challenges and can tend to make it look “easy” to the casual observer.

Awareness isn’t always easy; however, it is a skill you can develop and master, one that is highly regarded by most employers.

As with everything we learn in life - start small, “baby steps” if you will, and then practice, practice, practice.

The first activity for you to do is to write down the names of three people who are your models for excellence, for impeccability. These are people who embody, in your view, a high degree of inner clarity and serenity, balanced with outer focus and productivity.

Then for each person you picked as a role model, answer these questions: What can I most learn from this person? What specific questions do I have for him or her? Would I benefit from spending more time with this person?
Can I find a way to do that? How might I be able to help them, work with them, learn from them? (Speak to them and find out!).

For the second phase of the process, review the quality of the work you do and your relationship with it by grading yourself as you answer the following questions (4 = always, 3 = often, 2 = seldom, 1 = never):

Do I give my work my total attention?

Do I work with humility, a willingness to let others take credit?

Do I respect my co-workers, their methods and their philosophies?

Do I have the attitude that everyone is a “guru,” a wise person in disguise?

Will my actions stand up--to scrutiny, and to the inevitable stresses of life?

Do I give my full and total effort, my 100 percent?

Do I attend to the details?

Do I have a vision for myself, for my profession, for my specific job?

Do I operate with the “bigger picture” in mind. always working toward that vision?

Do I act with patience and presence?

Do I add value to my work by going the extra mile, and giving more than is expected?

Am I unattached to the outcome of my efforts?

If you score 25 or less, you've got a lot of work to do yet on yourself. You're probably under too much stress, and your life is definitely out of balance. Some good guidance in the form of mentoring or coaching will help.

A score of 26--35 means you're not drowning, but you could certainly benefit from guidance.

Above 35 indicates that you are committed to your work and your life, and you have a healthy balance between your inner well-being and your outer success. You are probably a role model for others, whether you know it or not. (Adapted from "The Way of Harmony")

Effortlessness does not mean that no energy or effort is put into the process. It does mean that you need not struggle to get where you want to go. Effortlessness is a reflection of being present to the moment and paying attention to the world around you. In a successful person, there is a natural flow of expansion (moving outward to the vision, determining what needs to happen to make goals a reality), combined with a reflection on the past (what worked, what didn’t work, what needs to change) and a returning to the here and now to do the next step, whether that is a phone
call, a job task, a business meeting or power lunch.

When we are able to focus in the present moment, we exude a power and presence that is sensed and respected by others. We know what is happening “here and now” and be pro-active into the next action, rather than reactive and panicked.

Remember that excellence is a state of mind and body, resourceful, interactive and very aware. Like all skills we have, it must be learned and integrated before it becomes “natural” to us.

Someone once told me that for an infant to learn to use a spoon, or to walk or to talk, is the equivalent of a college education for an adult. I’m not quite sure how that was measured or determined. I am, however, aware that infants don’t have the barriers to overcome of the learned and
integrated habits that adults carry with them. You may have to “unlearn” some of your habits to achieve the awareness and effortless you are seeking. Be patient with yourself. Even the infant had a teacher or guide to help them acquire their skills. Who will be your coach?