Skip to content

People who have accomplished work worthwhile have had a…

“People who have accomplished work worthwhile have had a very high sense of the way to do things. They have not been content with mediocrity. They have not confined themselves to the beaten tracks; they have never been satisfied to do things just as others so them, but always a little better. They…” quote by Orison Swett Marden
Download Open image
“People who have accomplished work worthwhile have had a very high sense of the way to do things. They have not been content with mediocrity. They have not confined themselves to the beaten tracks; they have never been satisfied to do things just as others so them, but always a little better. They always pushed things that came to their hands a little higher up, this little farther on, that counts in the quality of life's work. It is constant effort to be first-class in everything one attempts that conquers the heights of excellence.”

Orison Swett Marden

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Excellence requires relentless effort, refusing mediocrity, and constantly improving beyond the norm.

In simple terms: Great work needs constant, higher effort.

Key Takeaway

Never settle; keep improving.

Themes

excellence effort self‑improvement

Mood

determined inspired

Type

motivational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • career advancement
  • personal projects
  • leadership
  • creative endeavors

Key Concepts

growth mindset quality standards

Questions to Reflect On

  • What area of your life could you push a little higher?
  • How do you avoid burnout while striving for excellence?
A Different Perspective

Excellence also demands resources and may cause burnout if not balanced.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Orison Swett Marden

Explore all 396 Orison Swett Marden quotes

More Accomplished quotes

Browse all 1,379 Accomplished quotes