A person who desires excellence is not satisfied with being average. They always look for improvement and believe there is still a better version of what they are doing. For example, Elon Musk continues to create new products and upgrade his innovations because he knows that what exists today can be improved tomorrow. His mindset pushes him to keep working toward something greater.
Dreamers, on the other hand, remain in the world of imagination. They love thinking about big futures but rarely take steps toward making those dreams happen. Without action, even the most beautiful dreams remain only ideas. Excellence grows through the process of doing. As we work, we learn, and with learning we improve.
This is the key difference between winners and dreamers. Dreamers stay in imagination, while winners take action and turn dreams into reality. Commitment to excellence is about never settling for less, choosing to grow, and always pushing beyond comfort.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama once said, “Young people should not think a lot about what they want to become, but instead they should focus on what they need to do.” Those who make a difference in life are not those who simply talk about their wishes but those who dedicate themselves to a purpose and put in the effort. Hard work is what transforms a dream into an achievement.
You may dream of becoming a journalist, a doctor, or an engineer, but the dream alone does not make you one. What matters is what you are doing today. When you put your energy, focus, and skills into your work and refuse to be defined by challenges, you move closer to becoming who you want to be. As Obama also said, “No one’s born good at all things; you become good at things through hard work.”
Elion Pithuwa, Teacher and Mentor at Cornerstone Leadership Academy DRC, emphasizes skill over social circles:
“If you focus on making connections, you will end up being mediocre. But if you focus on being the best in your field, you will end up making meaningful connections that will actually take you somewhere.”
In other words, opportunities often come not because someone knows you personally, but because they know your skills and trust your ability. Quality work introduces you even in rooms where you have never been.
Another important element in pursuing excellence is having a clear purpose. Many young people try to do too many things at once: studying one field while engaging in unrelated activities, joining many groups without a clear direction, or always chasing quick success. When you divide your energy into too many pieces, you risk becoming average at everything instead of excellent at one thing.
As the saying goes, “Grasp all, lose all.” Specialization builds expertise, and expertise builds opportunity.
Becoming a winner is not about being perfect. It is about staying focused, staying committed, and working every day to become better. Winners are the ones who take responsibility for their future and build it step by step.
So, keep dreaming, but above all, keep working. Excellence is not an accident. It is earned.
