7:17 Pat Riley: Excellence

 

“Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” - Pat Riley

Do you know what excellence is or means?

Excellence is the commitment to consistently doing your best—and then finding ways to raise that standard over time.

• It’s not about being perfect.
• It’s not about being better than others.
• It’s about being better than you were yesterday.

Pat Riley is one of the most respected and successful figures in basketball history—known not only for his championships, but also for his leadership, culture-building, and fierce competitive mindset.

He once said, “Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.”

Excellence isn’t a one-time act or a sudden breakthrough—it’s a long-term byproduct of consistently choosing to improve.

You don’t wake up excellent—you become excellent. It’s not about perfection or talent—it’s about the daily mindset of asking, “How can I be a little better today?” 

Every small choice to work harder, refine a skill, or learn from a mistake adds up. Over time, that effort compounds—and what once felt average becomes exceptional.

Excellence shows up in how you prepare, how you respond, how you lead, how you follow through.

It’s found in the small things—your habits, your attitude, your attention to detail.

It’s a mindset: “I’m proud of what I’ve done, but I’m not done getting better.”

People who pursue excellence don’t settle.

They care too much to cut corners.

They bring effort, care, and purpose to whatever they do—whether it’s a game, a meeting, or a quiet moment no one else sees.

Question of the Day: When is it easier—and when is it harder—for you to choose excellence in the small things, and what’s one area where you know you can raise your standard—starting today?