Accomplished Quote by Orison Swett Marden
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Pushing to Success, Orison Swett Marden, 1905
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.
![“[U]nless oppressed groups stick together, and on alliances of self interest rather than do-goodism; nothing can be accomplished in the long run to dismantle the apparatus of oppression.” quote by Shulamith Firestone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d7b/shulamith-firestone-12980_accomplished_u-nless-oppressed-groups-stick-together_5485.jpg)
