While re-reading a biography of the great golfer Bobby Jones, I was reminded of a poignant story.
Apparently Bobby Jones—while playing in a major golf tournament—was a single stroke ahead as he began to play the last few holes. While standing over a particularly difficult putt on the green, he accidently touched his golf ball with his putter. No one in the gallery and none of the officials noticed this incident, but Bobby Jones immediately halted play and brought everyone’s attention to the fact that he had, indeed, touched his golf ball with the club, thereby adding an additional stroke to his score. Eventually, that single stroke proved to be critical in the championship tournament as Bobby Jones was defeated.
After the tournament, a well-known sports writer of the day complimented Bobby Jones on his honesty and integrity. Apparently, Jones was baffled by this praise and responded, “You might as well compliment me for not stealing someone’s wallet.” Bobby Jones’s behavior, in retrospect, was uncommon and, therefore, worthy of the compliment he had received.
Unfortunately, we live in a world where mere competence is rapidly becoming uncommon; therefore, when we receive our order promptly and correctly, or when the serviceperson shows up on time and does their job as expected, we find it to be unexpected, noteworthy, and deserving of our praise.
While it is somewhat depressing to think that competence has become uncommon, it is truly an open door of opportunity for you and me. If merely performing one’s duty as expected is noteworthy, imagine how you and I could stand out if we strive for excellence. When you’re willing to go the extra mile while the rest of the world is satisfied with just getting close to the finish line, you have a distinct and valuable advantage.
This kind of super achievement requires us to shift our expectation. We can no longer be satisfied with merely doing what is expected because, unfortunately, the bar of expectation has been set depressingly low; therefore, in order to reach our ultimate potential, we must hold ourselves to our own expectations, not judged against the rest of the world but, instead, measured in comparison to our potential.
In this way, when we are satisfied with our own effort and performance, we will dazzle the rest of the world.
As you go through your day today, go beyond expectation into the uncommon realm of excellence.
Today’s the day!
Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network as well as a published author of many books including The Ultimate Gift. He is also a columnist and motivational speaker. He may be reached at 5840 South Memorial Drive, Suite 312, Tulsa, OK 74145-9082; by e-mail at Jim@JimStovall.com; or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jimstovallauthor.
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