Absolute Resource Guide: The Mundanity of Excellence
Over 30 years ago Daniel Chambliss wrote one of the most influential papers on the topic of excellence and how to achieve it entitled The Mundanity of Excellence. The findings of this paper, although directly observed in high performance athletes, can be applied to any aspect of our life that requires improvement.
In the paper Chambliss highlights three important concepts with respect to achieving excellence.
Excellence starts with the fundamentals. It requires doing the repeatable small things consistently to the best of your ability.
Talent is overrated. Excellence does not come from talent as it is not responsible for high achievement.
Excellence requires a strategic approach. Continued improvement results from the manner in which you practice/train, not by just doing more of the same practice/training.
Hope you enjoy the paper!