Why Being Good Enough is Holding You Back From Excellence

by D'Arcy Benincosa

In this episode, Marke Freeman and I deep dive into what it takes to live a meaningful, successful life that will truly shape the world. Growing up poor didn’t stop Marke from achieving excellence and she breaks down how she did it with so much courage and grace. Hit Play!

Meet Marke Freeman:

Author, Keynote speaker, President of Max-OUT Foundation, Director Point Guard College Basketball, Sports Broadcaster, and Retired Professional Basketball Player Marke Freeman is an outstanding teacher of leadership and skill development who empowers executives, entrepreneurs, students and athletes worldwide to welcome challenges as opportunities, becoming the “captains of their ship”. Born into a single parent home and raised in an impoverished community on the east side of Springfield Illinois, Marke has faced many forms of adversity making them the acme of her testimony. Her story is one of Commitment, Accountability, Perseverance, Education and Service which she refers to as CAPES because this approach saved her life. Her story is proof that success is about combating victimization and seeking ownership. Committing to the process and not just seeking results. Living ones best life through self- reflection and correction. It’s about starving ones distractions and feedings ones focus to ensure growth and success while performing at the highest level, despite the circumstances.

Remember—Greatness is not achieved in a single moment–but long before.

As Marke says, “greatness is achieved when we decide to do what is necessary to become great. We make this decision daily, in each situation, to continue to practice greatness and to choose to be the best version of ourselves. Success lies in the development of character. The results, rewards, profit, and trophies are not the attainment of the champion. They are simply confirmation of living the Champion’s Code.”

7 elements to achieving excellence:

1. Good vs. Great.

One of the greatest challenges on the path to excellence is the allure of being merely good. Good can become the biggest enemy of great, breeding complacency and preventing individuals from reaching their full potential. Striving for mastery, on the other hand, is going above and beyond in every task, whether it’s ironing sheets, cooking breakfast, or delivering exceptional work, is the key to achieving greatness.

2. Nurturing Resilience in the Next Generation.

It is essential to examine whether we are raising children who possess the necessary resilience and determination to pursue excellence. Life is getting easier as we evolve, and it is important for us to understand how to effectively communicate with and inspire the younger generation. By penetrating their minds and hearts, we can instill the drive to succeed and the pursuit of excellence.

3. Success vs. Winning.

While winning may denote being ahead at the end of a game, true success goes beyond short-term victories. The biggest difference between winning and success is that success considers your agenda and aspirations, while winning is just a score. You can win without being successful.

4. Embracing Failure.

Failure is an inevitable part of any journey toward excellence. What do you do when faced with failure? Sit back, reflect, and evaluate your progress. To be your own worst enemy, you also have to be your own biggest fan.

5. Being Unhinged is A Good Thing.

What does it mean to pursue excellence? It means being better every day. The top 1% of achievers are usually a bit delusional, they love what they do so intensely that it’s all they know. It is crucial to love what you do intensely and respect the process, understanding that the dream is free, but the hustle is what separates the extraordinary from the ordinary.

6. Taking Ownership.

Taking ownership is a fundamental aspect of achieving excellence. This means, releasing excuses and refraining from the ABC’s (accusing, blaming, and complaining). You must be intentional with your words, ensuring that they align with your thoughts and embody responsibility for your actions, even in situations beyond your control.

7. The Champion’s Heart.

To have a champion’s heart is to go beyond personal gain and live for something greater.

Achieving excellence is not for the faint of heart. It requires a relentless work ethic, a dedication to continuous improvement, and a burning passion for what you do.