Yes, the book is primarily about the things needed for a company or business to go from a good one to a great one, but let’s take that quote in the context of making ourselves better.

First, ask why. Why am I trying to become better? Is it to outshine my neighbor, boss, friend, or coworker? If it is, let me be the one to shatter your bubble – it’s never going to happen because the very premise of why you’re trying to become better will forever overshadow your accomplishments. You’ll never be happy with the results of your efforts because there will always be a reason for you to find something better in someone else.

Second, ask when. When I started back to school and found out that I only had time for 2 classes a semester with a full-time job and a host of other responsibilities, I almost didn’t even start. It was going to take me six years to finish. SIX YEARS. I will graduate the same month I turn 40. I don’t remember who said it, but someone told me…

The time will pass anyway. You’re going to turn 40 that month whether you graduate or not. You’d might as well do it.

Guess what? The time is passing. I’m in the middle of my 10th semester with 8 more to go (I get through three semesters per year). I’m over half-way through! And if I had decided that it was too much work, those 10 semesters would have gone by anyway, I would have learned a lot less, and wouldn’t have nearly what I have to show for it.

Lastly, ask who. Who are you trying to get better for? If the answer is anything other than “myself” you’re doing it for the wrong reasons.

Consider this part of the quote again:

They talked in terms of what they were trying to create and how they were trying to improve relative to an absolute standard of excellence.”

What’s the “absolute standard of excellence” you’re trying to achieve and where did it come from? If you’re basing it off of someone else, you’re never going to catch up. They’re already there and they’re going to keep changing every day. You won’t remember the standard they set for you in the beginning and all you will see is the change occurring in them and how you’re not catching up. Pick a standard, a static one, that is achievable and start working towards it. Understand that you won’t achieve it in a day or in a week. If you can achieve it that fast, you’re being way too easy on yourself.

For many, the standard set in the Bible works. Many people consider Jesus Christ to be the best example of who we should strive to become. If you don’t believe in the Bible, pick someone from a book you do believe in. Pick someone good and then get to work. Study what made them good and incorporate those characteristics into your own life.

*A word of caution when looking for someone to emulate: with the exception of Jesus Christ, nobody is perfect. You know in your heart what things are good and what things aren’t. Pick the good things and emulate those things, leaving the bad things behind.

It sounds like a lot of work because it is. But the time will pass anyway. What harm could come from improving a little more every day?